Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19

In line with the Government's decision for Dublin City and County to move to Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 for three weeks, dlr Libraries will be closing our branches to the public and reinstating our Bag a Book: Contact and Collect service. Our national online catalogue is also active, so books can be reserved both online and via phone for collection at your chosen dlr library branch.

You can also place requests for particular items in the usual way - using our online catalogue, using the dlr Libraries app, by email or by phone (see contact details for your local branch here). We'll contact you once your requested item has arrived to arrange collection.

dlr Libraries in Level 3:

Bag a Book - Contact & Collect: How it works

Contact your local dlr branch library. We can prepare a selection of books, CDs and DVDs for you, based on your reading habits, hobbies and interests.

Library spaces will be restricted to library staff and will only be accessible to the public on a ‘contact & collect’ basis, where members can order items and collect them from the library.

Orders can be placed online through the form here (only for Blackrock, Deansgrange, dlr LexIcon, Dundrum and Stillorgan Libraries) or by calling any dlr library. Phone or email Cabinteely and Shankill Libraries to arrange collection from those libraries. Please see temporary arrangements for Dalkey Library here.

Don’t forget all the other free library services we continue to offer:

• join the library online
• download eBooks and eAudiobooks
• read magazines and newspapers
• take eLearning or language courses
• watch or listen to storytimes
• take part in other activities like online bookclubs

In order to manage queues safely and efficiently and in line with social distancing requirements, we ask that one member from each household come to the library at the arranged time.

You cannot come into the library to browse the books during this time.

Returns

Returns will be accepted at designated drop-off points in each participating library. But remember, there are no library fines.

FAQs

Can I pick a time for me to collect my items?

Library staff will do their best to accommodate your requirements, but we can’t guarantee that we can give you the exact time you want.

Can I reserve an item online or by phone and then collect it?

You can continue to request items online, by phone, or through our library app and collect at your chosen branch.

Before the libraries closed I got a message to say a book I reserved was ready for collection: can I still get that book?

Yes, contact the branch and arrange a time with them to collect.

How many items can I get at any one time?

You can take out a maximum of 12 items during this phase.

Can I return books?

Yes, you can return books.

Are the staffed hours for my local library the same as before?

Yes.

Are there safety protocols in place?

Yes. As per government guidelines, all returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours.