Waterford Libraries are delighted to launch their new “Contact and Collect” service. Contact and Collect is the first step in gradually reopening library services as part of the National Phase 2 Roadmap to Recovery.  The service is available from two Waterford Libraries (Dungarvan Library and Central Library, Lady Lane) from June 8^th.

From June 8^th, library members can phone and speak to a staff member at 0761 10 2484, Monday to Friday from  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Friendly and expert library staff will discuss your book preferences and will select up to five books for collection by appointment from either Central or Dungarvan Libraries.

Contact and Collect service will be available from Carrickphierish Library from June 29^th.

Waterford Libraries are working hard to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. We will arrange a collection appointment and location with each customer and will ensure that social distancing rules are adhered to at all times. The health and safety of library customers and staff is at the forefront of all decisions regarding the gradual re-opening of library services. The library management team are working with national guidelines in relation to social distancing and sanitation to provide safe library services.

Library materials can also be returned to Dungarvan Library and Central Library from June 8th. Any items you have on loan can be returned to the library at your Contact and Collect appointment or they can be returned at specific times.

Contact and Collect FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Contact and Collect Service?

Contact and Collect is a new library service provided by Waterford Libraries. This service is the first step in gradually reopening library services as part of the Roadmap to Recovery and is set to begin as part of Phase 2 (June 8^th 2020).  Library members can phone or email Waterford Libraries and request that books and library materials to be selected for them.  You can book an appointment time to collect your items.

Which libraries are offering the Contact and Collect Service from June 8^th?

Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford and Dungarvan Library, The Quay, Dungarvan. From June 29th the Contact and Collect Service will also be available from Carrickphierish Library, Carrickphierish Road, Gracedieu, Waterford City.

How many books or items can I take out?

Up to five items per household member will be provided to you in a sealed plastic bag at the library entrance following strict safety and social distancing protocols.

How do I contact the Contact and Collect service to request the service?

You can contact the library on 0761 102484 and a collection appointment will be made for you at your preferred branch, Dungarvan Library or Central Library. Contact and Collect service will be available from Carrickphierish Library from 29th June. 

Can I use the library catalogue to request specific items?

The library catalogue isn’t available at the moment. For now, we can’t request library materials that aren’t physically in our branches. We can only supply books that are in a particular branch, Central Library or Dungarvan Library. We cannot move books between branches during Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Recovery.  To request books our staff will ask you for a preference of what genre you would like to read;  for example, thrillers, easy reading, books on interior design books, history books etc or what other library materials you might like.

My local library isn’t open for Contact and Collect yet, can I request from another library?

Yes you can! You can contact 0761 10 2484 or library@waterfordcouncil.ie  and avail of the service from Central Library or Dungarvan Library.

When will my local library be open for Contact and Collect?

We are opening libraries in a staged basis to protect the safety of our customers and staff. Library management are working closely with health and safety staff to ensure we establish safe practices for providing library services.

I’m in a vulnerable group or have been cocooning, what safety regulations are in place?

Waterford Libraries is committed to a safe working and customer based service at all times. Safe queuing practices, increased cleaning of doors and surfaces, social distancing and our staff are trained on hand hygiene and safe respiratory hygiene. All our books are quarantined for 72 hours before being returned to the shelves as per national protocols. Waterford Libraries are following national guidelines for safe handling of library materials.

Is it safe for me to queue at a library for Contact and Collect?

The library will not be open to the public for browsing yet but you will be able to order your books by phone or email and collect safely at an appointment. Library staff will issue with an appointment time when you contact us first. Waterford Council are providing markers so you can queue safely inside and outside the library building.

Can I request from other libraries around the country?

Not for the moment, you can only request books that are on shelves in Central Library and Dungarvan Library.

Can I request without a library card?

Only library members can request library books. You can join online at https://lgma.iii.com/selfreg or contact us on 0761 102484 if you need help to fill in the form.

Can I request for someone else?

You can request items for other library members if you have their library membership details: card number, name and phone number. The books will have to be collected at appointment times only as Waterford Libraries staff cannot supply books except at the appointed times.

Can I request books for my children?

Yes, you can request items for children and young adults. Young people calling to the library must be accompanied by an adult.

Can someone else collect my items?

Yes, you can nominate someone else to collect your books. If you are asking someone else to collect your items please tell library staff when speaking or emailing them. The nominated person must come at the appointed time.

What days can I collect items from the libraries?

I missed my collection time, what do I do?

Please get in touch with the Waterford Libraries 0761 10 2484 and we will arrange another collection time.

How long do I keep my library items for?

The lending period for library books is three weeks.

RETURNS

How do I return books that I have on loan?

Books can be placed into our library book returns container which is available outside the library at set times during the week.

When can I return books?

Books can be returned when you are collecting your library Contact and Collect order or you can return without appointment at the following times:

What safety measures are in place in relation to returned library items?

All items returned to the library will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours. Waterford Libraries are following national guidelines for safe handling of library materials.

Online services

What other library services are available at the moment?

You can access eBooks and eAudiobooks, emagazines, digital newspapers and digital learning through our library apps. Learn more at https://waterfordlibraries.ie/online-resources/

Our library staff are providing storytimes, sharing links and recommending books on our library facebook and other social media.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordCouncilLibraries/ for more.

You can join the library online at https://lgma.iii.com/selfreg or contact us on 0761 102484 if you need help to fill in the form.

Can I talk to someone for further advice?

Contact our Contact and Collect branches or library support on library@waterfordcouncil.ie or 0761 102484