Glasgow’s Mitchell Library re-opens
Glasgow Life, the charity that delivers Culture, Sport and Learning in the city, has confirmed the much-loved Mitchell Library will reopen to the public today (Tuesday 27 October), welcoming visitors back for the first time in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Customers will once again be able to borrow books from the Granville Street area of the library, with research visits to Special Collections, Archives, General Services and the Business and Intellectual Property (IP) Centre available through free, pre-booked appointments.
PC access and study space will also be available to book in advance, free of charge.
The new booking system forms part of a range of hygiene measures introduced by Glasgow Life, which include one-way systems, book quarantine and reduced visitor numbers.
The Mitchell Library is the eleventh library to re-open to the public since the lockdown prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Alongside the city’s libraries, Glasgow Life has also reopened three museums and seven Glasgow Club venues. The charity continues to work with Glasgow City Council to review and prioritise when and where further venues and services can restart.
Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, Councillor David McDonald said: “The people of Glasgow have been engaging with our library offer in different ways over the past seven months, with thousands of people engaging with the wide-range of services available online. More than 5,000 new members have joined Glasgow Libraries since the beginning of spring, and we know that many residents, communities and businesses alike have been eagerly anticipating the re-opening of the Mitchell.
“This iconic building is important to the people of our city, and we recognise that many people not only enjoy but also rely on the library offer. I would like to welcome people back to the Mitchell Library, and remind customers that visits may look a little different as we work to ensure that the facility is safe for our staff and visitors in the weeks and months ahead.”
There’s no need to book an appointment to borrow a book from the Granville Street area of The Mitchell, although you may need to queue due to restricted numbers. And don’t worry if you have overdue books to return, all fines will be waived until December 2020.
For PC access and study spaces, simply pre-book a date and time at least 24 hours in advance by emailing Mitchelllibrary@glasgowlife.org.uk or calling The Mitchell Library during opening hours on 0141 287 2999.
Research appointments can be booked a minimum of one week, and maximum of four weeks, in advance by emailing Mitchelllibrary@glasgowlife.org.uk or calling The Mitchell Library during opening hours on 0141 287 2999. Customers wishing to visit Glasgow City Archives, can email Archives@glasgowlife.org.uk or call Glasgow City Archives during opening hours on 0141 287 2910 to book an appointment.
All Glasgow Libraries are operating reduced opening hours, with the Mitchell Library open Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 3pm. The ten community libraries are open Tuesday 2-7pm and Wednesday - Friday from 11-4pm.
Further information on the services available at the Mitchell Library, and information on other Glasgow Life venues and facilities, can be found at https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-latest-information.
You can help Glasgow Life to continue to support the people of Glasgow our work by donating here https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/support-us