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Library Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Questions (775)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

775. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if public libraries will acquire a book sanitiser machine for each public library; and if so, the costs associated with same. [12034/20]

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Written answers

The Local Government Management Agency have issued guidance entitled ‘Recommendations for Handling Physical Material in Libraries in Relation to COVID-19’ to all local authorities providing guidance on the appropriate health and safety measures to take in the provision of library services. This document has been informed by Health Protection Surveillance Centre advice received from the Department of Health. The provision of health and safety equipment to comply with the Government’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines is a matter for each local authority.

In line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, libraries began offering additional in-person services from Monday, June 8th. Initially, this consisted of approximately 200 libraries providing a ‘Contact and Collect’ lending service which allows people to order items by phone or email and then collect them in the branch at the scheduled time. This service has now been extended to a phased reopening of branches for in-person browsing. A number of libraries are also providing a delivery service for those who are housebound. All of these services are operating with a minimal amount of handling of items that are to be loaned.

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