Libraries

We are following the government lockdown guidance, and from Monday 4 January 2021 Tameside Library buildings will not be open for general use and browsing – however you will be able to return items or collect pre-ordered books at the Library entrance. In addition all digital and online services and the Home Library Service will continue. There will also be strictly managed access to public PCs in library buildings to assist with essential activity such as job applications, benefit claims and digital access to other public services.

The following services are currently available:

• Pre-order and collect books from libraries.
• Return of loans.
• PC bookings - it is advisable to book in advance as there are fewer PCs available due to social distancing guidelines.
• Home Library Service for people who have difficulty leaving their homes.
• Digital services including e-books, magazines and newspapers.
• Online events and activities – please see the Libraries Homepage for forthcoming events or book via Eventbrite.
• Tameside Libraries Information Service and Virtual Reference Library.

Safety measures remain in place for the protection of staff and visitors to libraries. This includes wearing face coverings, sanitising hands, social distancing, quarantining of books, additional cleaning, sanitising of PCs between users, and Perspex screens around counters.

We will also be maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors, and sharing these with NHS Test and Trace where requested, so that we can help to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

We ask that all visitors ensure careful compliance and maintain social distancing of 2 metres at all times to help reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 infection.

Covid 19 Risk Assessments have been undertaken at each site to ensure risk to customers and staff is reduced as much as is possible.

Renewals
All items that were due for return during January have been renewed until the first date a branch is open on or after 31 January. No fines will accrue during the current lockdown period. If you think that your items were overdue before the libraries closed for Christmas 2020 there may still be a fine. Please contact us on 0161 342 2031 or email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk so that we can help.

Telephone enquiry service

You can get help and advice with your information or library enquiries from Tameside Libraries Information Service. You can call Ashton Library on 0161 342 2031 during opening hours. You can also renew your library items over the phone.

Libraries available for Order & Collect and essential PC use from 4 January 2021

Virtual Library Clubs via Zoom

Join us for our free online Library Club sessions. Listen to our guest speaker and have a chat afterwards all via Zoom. See tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk to book or call 0161 342 2031 or email reference.library@tameside.gov.uk. Bring a brew and a biscuit!

Thursday 11 March 10am – 11am: Formidable Women of Manchester with Ed Glinert.

See tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk to book or call 0161 342 2031 or email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk.
 

Basic IT Support Virtual Coffee Morning via Zoom 

Make your own drink and join us for a chat about all things digital and how we can help.
It’s informal and we can talk about what you need to help you do more online or get to grips with your device. Contact us on 0161 342 2031 if you'd like to join in.

Tuesday 16 March 11am-12pm: Device Advice.

If you are stuck using a new tablet or would like to do more with your laptop join us for a drink and a chat. We might be able to talk you through the problem, suggest nect steps or direct you to futher help.


Tuesday 20 April February 11am-12pm: Doing More Online.

If you would like to be able to do more online such as banking, filling in forms or managing your health then one of the Learn My Way Basic IT courses may be just the thing for you. We can help you register and start studying these free online courses.

See tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk to book or call 0161 342 2031 or email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk.

 

All events are via Zoom and are free but booking is required. Zoom is easy to use via the internet or by downloading the app. See our brief guide to using Zoom  or give us a call and we can explain how it works.

Tameside_Libraries      @tmbc_culture

 

Have your say in this consultation

We would like your views on the proposal to relocate Droylsden Library to Guardsman Tony Downes House, so we can build on the previous feedback to ensure in designing the new library it meets your needs so far as possible.

Tameside Council is facing significant financial challenges, which have increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The existing Droylsden Library building, constructed in 1937, is deteriorating and the “T” shape configuration over three floors does not lend itself to the requirements of a modern library environment.  The rising costs of repairs, combined with the desire to progress with the regeneration of Droylsden Town Centre, means that a solution for the future of the library is now needed.
 
In 2015 Tameside Council engaged with residents and library users on the potential relocation of Droylsden Library from its current building to the adjacent Guardsman Tony Downes House, which houses the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. 
 
Unfortunately, Tameside Council has not had sufficient funding to deliver an exciting new library for Droylsden until now when it has been successful in accessing time limited grant funding, which will enable the Council to relocate Droylsden Library to Guardsman Tony Downes House.

Take part in the consultation

Do you or does someone you know have problems getting online or doing things via the internet?

If you are having problems getting online and doing all the things you need to such as home-schooling, shopping, applications and form filling or are missing out on virtual groups and events or just want to stay in touch with friends and family then we are here to help.
 

• Getting online and using a PC, tablet or a laptop to do things like pay bills, shop or call your friends.
• If you have no internet or are struggling with a very slow connection (i.e. no broadband).
• If you do not have enough devices for the number of people in your household, especially if this means that your children are missing things for school.
• Finding and using free educational resources to help children learning from home.
• Borrowing eBooks to help with your child’s reading skills.
• Using eReading for everyone to help with wellbeing and keeping your mind active.
• Virtual events for adults and children to stay connected.

Ways to get in touch

Explore Equality and Diversity

LGBT+ History month promotes equality and diversity for the benefit of the public by increasing the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (“LGBT+”) people, their history, lives and their experiences.

The theme for 2021 is Body, Mind, Spirit helping to raise awareness of issues of self-esteem, anxiety and depression that can affect the LGBT+ community due to their sexuality or the discrimination they may experience.

BorrowBox

• Go to BorrowBox and log in with your Library Card and PIN.
• Find out more about eReading

Reserve or Order and Collect

If you prefer a physical book you can use our Order and Collect service. This offers customers the opportunity to contact us with an idea of what they like to read and arrange for collection of a selection for loans from a library of their choice. There are more details on our Order and Collect page.

You can also use the online Library Catalogue to search for and reserve the items you are interested in; we will be in touch to arrange collection when they are ready for you. Find out more about reservations here.