Decision details

To make the following changes to the measures currently in place and to review safe systems of work in light of the changes to Government restrictions effective from 19 July 2021. It is proposed to continue with the measures detailed below until at least September 2021.
- Opening hours to remain the same, which are:
Darlington Library: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm (Art Gallery and Centre for Local Studies Mon-Fri 10am-4pm);
Cockerton Library: Mon, Wed, Fri 9.30am-1pm, Tues, Thurs, Sat 1pm-4pm.
- Reinstate additional furniture and computer workstations.
- Remove current signage and floor stickers and replace with Covid Summary poster (asking people to sanitise their hands, choose to wear a face covering, do not enter if you have symptoms of coronavirus and to respect others’ space) and Test and Trace poster.
- The number of people allowed in the libraries will no longer be restricted.
- Staff will still be encouraged to wear a face covering and screens will remain in place for when customers are not using self service facilities.
- Fines and reservation charges removed since March 2020 will not be reinstated immediately.
- ‘Select and Collect’ to remain an offer.
- Home delivery service to over 60s will continue.
- To look to reintroduce Lego/colouring activities.
- eLibrary/computer room to remain closed (a number of computers relocated to reference library) until refurbishment takes place.

Financial/staffing/health & safety (incl virus transmission risks)/service delivery impacts/other risks and impacts considered

Service to be available as detailed above.
Financial consideration of a loss of potential income for fines and reservation charges, although this is minimal.
Safe systems of work in place as agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.

Equality Impacts - consider separate impact assessment where appropriate

None

To make changes where appropriate with effect from 19 July 2021 as detailed above.

To allow the public to visit Crown Street and Cockerton Libraries in line with Government guidance whilst adhering to safe systems of work as agreed with Health & Safety and Public Health.

None