Published 1st July 2020

We are pleased to tell residents that they can pick up their favourite novels and other books and audiobooks through a new ‘Click and Collect’ service starting on Monday 6th July.

The service will allow residents to make use of the libraries once again whilst the Council works within government guidance around social distancing with plans to re-open the libraries in full.

Initially this service will be available from 10am – 2pm Monday to Saturday, with library staff selecting books by library members’ stated preferences or reservations and making them available to collect safely between those hours.

For more information please see the Southend Libraries’ web page

Labour Counillor Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for Business, Culture & Tourism, said: “Whilst we continue to work on ways of safely re-opening our libraries I am delighted that, from next week, residents will be able to access their favourite titles from across our libraries and our expert librarians can even recommend authors based on people’s preferences.”

“We know that many people make use of our libraries throughout the year, particularly parents keeping children reading throughout the summer with the Council’s ‘Summer Reading Challenge’. We know that it has actually been a challenging time for everyone, and I understand the importance reading can have on mental health.  We can accommodate all reading ages and abilities, with paperbacks, hardbacks, large print, audio books and DVDs available.”