When WILL Dulwich library reopen?

[Peckhampam]

I had had a book that I reserved back before the libraries closed. I got an email from Dulwich library saying that they were re-opening on April 12th and did I still want it.

[apbremer]

9.45 and web site says closed. I can't believe that they want still more holidays. Does any one know if dozy bunch have actually opened???

[Peckhampam]

On the web site it says open at 10.00

[Lynne]

Just been to Dulwich(10am) what a waste of time. Only open to hand books in or specify something and they'll bring it if they have it. No chAnce of just using it like a library. Lots of staff just standing around. They said Grove Vale and Nunhead are open. Went to Grove Vale, friendly and helpful staff but obviously no new books since I gave up using GV as I'd read all the stock there that I wanted to read.

[apbremer]

Hurrah. library open. Except that it's not. Still no entry. To borrow a book you still have to fiddle around with click and collect. I can go into all shops , ride buses and trains, drink in pubs and socialise and STILL cannot enter our library . PATHETIC.

[susan_]

I popped in to Peckham Library earlier today - seemed to have all the normal services operating. I returned books using the self-help machines, browsed throughout the stacks, saw people studying at the little desks, can?t recall if anyone was using a computer.

At the entrance to the building there?s a track and trace desk and hand sanitiser station.

All in all I was delighted to be back using library service normally (:

[Lynne]

Years ago Dulwich was one, if not the, best libraries in Southwark. Those were the days.

[OutOfFocus]

Grove vale was open. Had to fill in Test and Trace and put it in a box that was a repurposed ballot box!

[Bic Basher]

Lynne Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Years ago Dulwich was one, if not the, best

> libraries in Southwark. Those were the days.

Pre-Covid I'd get on the train up to Canada Water and use that library instead, it's a wonderful resource and clearly the flagship library.

[Pugwash]

I was going to library yesterday but although doors and gates open, the lights were all out. Unless you know the book title and author - the click/collect system is too cumbersome. I like to browse around a library - I choose a letter of the alphabet then look at what is available they I might fancy reading.

Grove Vale Library has odd opening hours - does anyone know what times they are open Wednesdays?

[Peckhampam]

Had a visit to Grove Vale library. Lovely to wander round and choose books

[Pugwash]

Ended going to Peckham Library last week - pleasant to be able to browse around. Got 3 books. Returned 2 to Dulwich Library today who are still not allowing people to browse. Only accepting returns and people using click and collect.I complained as to why when library openings were announced by Southwark in their newspaper,that Dulwich being the main library not fully open. Was informed that they hope to be open soon - only 2 staff seen on the premises. Where are all the others?

[SpringTime]

Maybe they are still being paid not to come in. They could be working remotely though.

[intexasatthe moment]

I had a conversation with a member of staff at Dulwich Library the other day .

She was unable to tell me when the library would be back to normal and fully open . Apparently they are all working as hard as they can to bring this about but are stymied by risk assessments and lack of manpower .

It felt like a very strange explanation and the replies ( back to risk assessments and manpower )I received when asking why risk assessments couldn't have been completed in advance of April 12 were unintelligible to me .

I didn't see any staff I recognised.

[Lynne]

While it's great to be able to wander round Peckham/Grove Vale (I seem to remember there used to be a library in Dulwich) I've been disappointed that I can't find any of the books that came out during lockdown and I was looking forward to reading. OK, yes I know it's a public library and they might have been borrowed, but the stcck looks very much the same as it did before. I suspect Southwark had cut down the spending on new stock.

And I agree with ITATM, it's a very unsatisfactory explanation about Dulwich.

[intexasatthe moment]

The thing is ,it wasn't just unsatisfactory ..it felt almost disingenuous,as if some factor was being deliberately withheld or hidden.

I now have conspiracy theories in my head - some sort of legal action being taken by staff who worked there .

But I'm no doubt being paranoid and influenced too much by the current climate of weirdly implemented LTNs ,ruination of lives by Post Office management ....

[melanieF]

I agree Lynne the Dulwich one was fantastic..out of interest I haven't been since the first lockdown sadly so I'm out of the loop, what is the process in terms of going in or borrowing? anyones views/experience would be appricated!

thanks

Mel

[Cyclemonkey]

A lot of council staff will have been redeployed during the pandemic.

[Lynne]

Grove Vale and Peckham are open as normal, melanieF, and I think Camberwell too. You have to fill in a slip with contact details before entry, that's all. Last time I checked Dulwich was only open for returns and click/collect.

[intexasatthe moment]

Yes ,Dulwich not open for browsing but collections and returns are possible .

[Lynne]

Am I right in thinking you still can't use Dulwich Library to browse i?

If this is right, whenever are they going to open t? Perhaps Southwark is hoping to keep it closed.

[Pugwash]

Getting fed up having to go to Peckham Library which is a bus ride away when I could walk to Dulwich Library in 5 minutes. Every time I have been in there to check when I can browse, I am told they are opening shortly. They have been saying this every couple of weeks since April!!!

[Pugwash]

From Cllr McAsh

Dulwich Library

The layout of Dulwich Library means its full opening is not yet possible. I do not have a date for when it will be but I understand that the council is working hard to make it happen as soon as possible.

More info here: [www.southwark.gov.uk]

Cheers

James

--------------------

James McAsh - Labour Councillor for Goose Green ward

James.McAsh@Southwark.gov.uk

[www.jamesmcash.com] [twitter.com]

Whilst I can understand the reluctance of opening up the reference library and study area upstairs at Dulwich Library, I see no reason for not opening up downstairs adult library. There is plenty of room, OK the computer screens are close together but they can be moved around to give more space. Given that Grove Vale a much smaller library is able to operate, there is no excuse why Dulwich cannot open. Last time I was there, there were 2 men sitting watching people return books and a librarian sitting behind screen. Nothing appears to have been reorganized in the adult section. Given the fact that the library has been closed for best part of a year there is no reason why work/reorganization could not have been undertaken during that time.

[redjam]

Agree - it's nuts that it's still closed. They have heaps of room. And the system there now when you have to fill in a form/use the test-and-trace app to just drop off a book in their big, empty, well-ventilated reception area (which takes all of ten seconds using the touchscreens) seems equally nuts. I spent longer navigating the form (with a shared pen) than I did dropping off the book, which didn't seem very Covid-friendly. And as you say, Pugwash, there seemed to be one librarian and two people employed to just sit there and watch you. Very strange.

Still, I'm enjoying the free reservation service so every cloud...

[intexasatthe moment]

Ah - so now we have it ! The layout is delaying the opening .

It all makes sense now .