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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

We are taking the necessary immediate and longer-term steps to support and protect residents, staff and partners. Our focus is on keeping critical services running, particularly those supporting vulnerable people.

Find out more about the support and guidance available, and any changes to our services.

Advice and support on Coronavirus (Covid-19) 

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Affected council services 

How you can help 

Sign up for Coronavirus updates 

Libraries

man reading a book in a library

Join a library, reserve or renew your books, hire a meeting room and collect temporary waste permits.

Library catalogue Find books, CDs and DVDs Library charges (PDF) Find out about any charges in our libraries

Virtual Library

Our libraries are currently closed due to COVID-19. However, our staff are still working and researching the best online resources to keep Leicestershire families busy, entertained and healthy during lockdown.

Our Top 5s: online resources during lockdown   PDF,  28 kbOpens new window

Visit our digital library where you can access thousands of books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers on your phone, tablet our computer. If you’re not already a member, it’s quick and easy to join online.

Read our Coronavirus FAQs

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and more lockdown activities.

  • Find a library 

    Search for a library in your area. Opening times are shown on each library page.

  • The Home Library Service 

    The Home Library Service can bring books to your home if you find it difficult to get to a library.

  • Digital Library Services 

    Use the free digital library services to download eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers using a smartphone, tablet, Mac or PC.

  • Smart Libraries 

    From 1 April 2019, the following libraries will be self-access Smart Libraries: Ashby De La Zouch, Birstall, Blaby, Broughton Astley, Coalville, Earl Shilton, Glenfield, Hinckley, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Oadby, Shepshed, Syston and Wigston.

  • Smart Library induction 

    To use a Smart Library during smart hours you must complete an induction.

  • Reading Well for Health and Wellbeing 

    Our Reading Well collections help you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading recommendations. Also known as Books on Prescription.

  • Join the Library 

    You can join online if you are 16 or over.

  • Renew and Reserve 

    Renew or reserve library items

  • Bookstart 

    Book sharing is an enjoyable and important part of a child’s development and is also fantastic for bonding between you and your child. Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from an early age.

  • Reference Library 

    For members of Leicestershire Libraries. Online reference library for books and authors, reference books and dictionaries, access to research, business information and consumer advice, Driving Theory Test, and local and family history.

  • Book a computer to use at a library 

    You can book a computer to use at a library up to two weeks in advance

  • Artsmark - learning through arts and culture 

    Artsmark is the creative quality standard for schools and educational settings, awarded by Arts Council England.

  • Hire a library room  

    Rooms are available to hire in libraries by community groups, individuals and private companies.

  • Mobile library routes 

    The travelling library service visits communities that do not have a static library, within Leicestershire.

  • Ordnance Survey mapping service 

    Site-centred Ordnance Survey (OS) maps suitable for Planning Applications.

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