FAQs During Library Closures (Coronavirus)

During the Coronavirus disruption we're answering your questions here.

Please use 01908 372797 to contact us while Central Library is closed. 

All libraries (except Central Library) are open to visitors and for the Click and Collect service from 13 April 2021.

Opening hours from 13 April 2021:

Central Library is currently being used as a Covid-19 Test Centre and remains closed.

Bletchley, Kingston, Newport Pagnell, Westcroft and Wolverton Libraries 

  • Tuesday ~ 10-4.30
  • Wednesday ~ 10-4.30
  • Thursday ~ 10-4.30
  • Friday ~ 10-4.30
  • Saturday ~ 10-12.30

Central Library

  • CLOSED

Olney Library

  • Wednesday ~ 10-1
  • Friday ~ 1-4.30
  • Saturday ~ 10-12.30

Stony Stratford and Woburn Sands Libraries

  • Tuesday ~ 10-1
  • Thursday ~ 1-4.30
  • Saturday ~ 10-12.30
This information may change at any time - please check the details regularly. 
Green Line
Library Word Banner used as a page divider

Which libraries are closed?

All libraries (except Central Library) are open from 13 April 2021. Visit the Re-opening Libraries page for full details.

Central Library is currently being used as a Covid-19 Test Centre and remains closed.

Back to Top

How long will libraries be closed?

We continue to follow government guidelines and carefully review all face to face services and library buildings to ensure that we re-open at the right time while prioritising the community's safety.

See the latest news about our re-opening plans on the Re-Opening Libraries web page.

In the meantime, we look forward to staying connected to our audiences online. As the situation changes, we will post updates and information on this page and on our social media pages - Facebook (MiltonKeynesLibraries), Twitter (@MKLibraries) and Instagram (MKLibraries).

Are any activities taking place?

There are no activities currently being held at any of the libraries - including Storytimes, Children's Hours or clubs.

We are publishing stories, songs, poems and signed stories and you can see many listed on our YouTube Channel. In order to comply with publisher permissions, some recordings are 'unlisted' and can't be found with a general search - but you can go directly to these stories using the links on our Storytime page or browse our unlisted stories playlist.

Back to Top

Will the Mobile Library be visiting?

Visits by the Mobile Library have been suspended since Wednesday 18 March 2020 until further notice.

What about Libraries Xtra?

Libraries Xtra services only operate at Kingston Library and Westcroft Library but the Libraries Xtra service at both libraries has been suspended since Wednesday 18 March 2020 until further notice.

Back to Top

How do I contact you?

You can email us at the Library and we will respond as soon as possible. Messages and comments through social media continue to be monitored although the best way to contact us is by email.

You can also phone us on 01908 372797 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and we'll be happy to help.

When can I contact you?

Emails and phones will be monitored during these working hours at Bletchley Library:

  • Monday  ~  9-5
  • Tuesday  ~  9-5
  • Wednesday  ~  9-5
  • Thursday  ~  9-5
  • Friday  ~  9-5
  • Saturday  ~  CLOSED
  • Sunday  ~  CLOSED

Back to Top

Can I donate books to the library?

We are happy to receive donations of any books that were published in 2020/21 and are in good condition. This is a great opportunity to share your love of reading. You can drop off your donations:

  • using the drop boxes at any of the libraries during Click and Collect hours 
  • using the letterboxes at Bletchley, Woburn Sands, Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford Libraries.

Thank you!

We are also happy to receive donations of new books. Visit the library donations web page for more information.

Back to Top

Can I join and use your eResources?

While Milton Keynes Libraries are closed, we have made it easier for local residents to be able to join and use our eResources.

Joining Online

We have arranged for customers who join online to be able to use our some of our eResources during the closures.

To join the library online you need to complete the online form. You'll be given a temporary borrower number that will let you create an RBdigital account and access eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.

Under 16s can join the library online but will need to complete the guarantor contact details during registration to acknowledge permission.

You will need to register with RBdigital to access these resources. Visit the Digital Books web page for full information.

It is free to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines and we have a selection of both children's and adult titles. Books are issued for 21 days and can be renewed.

During the Covid disruption members can borrow up to 2 titles each for eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can borrow an unlimited number of eMagazines.

With your temporary borrower number you will also be able to access PressReader which offers over 7000 popular publications from the UK and all around the world in 60 languages.

Your online membership will be valid for 6 months.

Back to Top

Can I still borrow books?

Yes! All Milton Keynes Libraries (except Central Library) are offering the Click and Collect service. If you'd like us to choose some books for you, we also offer a Pick and Mix selection for both adult and children's books. Visit the Click and Collect web page for full details.

Back to Top

Why has Central Library stopped offering the Click and Collect Service?

The Central Library building is being used as a Covid-19 Test Centre. This means that since 16 January 2021 the building could no longer be used as a Click and Collect collection or return point although we can still access the stock held there.

Due to the delay collecting and delivering Central Library stock to your nominated libraries for Click and Collect requests, it may take a little longer before orders are complete and you are contacted to say your books are ready for collection. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Back to Top

Can I return my books?

Books have now been renewed until 30 April 2021. You can check the return dates for books borrowed on your library card by logging in to My Library to see your library account.

You can return books using the drop boxes at any of the Milton Keynes libraries during the opening hours and also using the letterboxes at Bletchley, Woburn Sands, Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford Libraries. There may be a delay before letterbox items show as returned on your account. Please DO NOT try to use letterboxes at other libraries.

Back to Top

How can I renew my books?

Books can be renewed online or by using the automatic renewal system.

Books have now been renewed until 30 April 2021. You can check the return dates for books borrowed on your library card by logging in to My Library to see your library account.

Renewing Books Online

You need to log in to My Library using your library card number and your library PIN.

If you don’t know your PIN and we have an email address on record, use the Forgot Your PIN option on the login screen. Type in your library card number and surname and we’ll email your PIN to you.

If we don't have your email address, phone us on 01908 372797 during working hours. You’ll need your library card number. When we confirm your identity, we will tell you your PIN.

Back to Top

Automated Telephone Renewals

You will need to have your library card number and PIN to renew items by phone.

To use the 24 hour Automated Telephone Renewal Service dial 0303 123 0035 and select option 4 for Milton Keynes Libraries (not option 2 for Buckinghamshire).

Calls to this number are charged at local rate.

  • When entering your library card number only enter the numbers (not any letters - ignore the B at the beginning and, if applicable, the X at the end).
  • If you wish to renew an individual item you will need to enter the barcode number from the inside cover of the book.
  • When renewing a chargeable item, any hire charges will be added to your card.

What happens about overdue fines?

Overdue fines and charges have been waived for any books that were due to be returned during lockdown and books have now been renewed until 30 April 2021.

We are always happy to help and answer any questions about renewals or your account if you call 01908 372797.

Back to Top

What about reservation charges?

There are currently no charges for making reservations. Children's and teen books are always free to reserve. You can place 6 reservations at any one time.

Can I make a new reservation?

You can make new reservations under the new Click and Collect Service and you will be contacted when your reservation is ready for collection.

SELMS reservations are not available.

Why can’t I find the book I’m looking for?

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are unable to purchase further stock at this time. You may find what you're looking for in eBook or eAudiobook format, as new eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines continue to be added to our digital catalogue.

Will the Home Library Service still operate?

We will continue to offer Home Library Service to existing customers. Books may be delivered by staff rather than volunteers. Our existing Home Library customers have already been contacted about their requirements.

Back to Top

Where can I find information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

You may find the following links helpful during the Coronavirus disruption:

BBC Asian Network is helping people in the South Asian community to spot potential Covid vaccination scams, with advice videos in five South Asian languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Sylheti, Tamil and Gujarati.

Where can I find information to support health and wellbeing?

If you, or anyone you know, is at risk from issues such as self-neglect, domestic violence, or other harm visit the MK Council safeguarding pages for advice. In an emergency call 999.

Back to Top

Bereavement

If you are struggling with bereavement, there are organisations who can help and support you.

  • Milton Keynes Bereavement Service - offers confidential support after death of someone close to you.
  • Cruse Bereavement Care - offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
  • Bereavement Advice Centre - supports and advises people on practical issues to manage after a death.
  • Independent Age  - has information on the practical things that need to be done when someone dies and advice on coping when you’ve been bereaved.
  • Child Bereavement UK - help for children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or dies.
  • Winston's Wish - Charity for bereaved children offering support and information after the death of a parent.

Back to Top

Where can I find information about Coronavirus and business?

COBRA

During the Coronavirus disruption COBRA, the online small business information database, is offering remote access to library members. 

Click here to visit the COBRA website and use your library card number to log in (including the initial B) where it asks for your ticket number. If you then type "coronavirus" into the search box, you will see guides about some industry specific information, government support and information about the business interruption loans. This information is being updated constantly.

USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION

Back to Top

Which online services can I use from home?

Your library card number will give you access to many online services. For a full list and details of our regular online resources, visit the eLibrary web page.

During the Coronavirus lockdown there are several resources which have either been added to our services or modified to give you access from home.

Back to Top

Ancestry

Ancestry Library Edition Logo on Black

Home access to ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION has been temporarily extended to our library cardholders, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry.

Visit the library catalogue and account management system to link through to the Ancestry website and continue with your family history research. The Ancestry Library Edition is designed as a reference tool for public library use and does not have the functionality to build family trees or store information.

Once logged in to your library account using your library card number and PIN, go to the LIBRARY CATALOGUE HOME PAGE. You'll see a link on the page to click through to the Ancestry website.

Back to Top

COBRA

COBRA Logo

During the Coronavirus disruption COBRA, the online small business information database, is offering remote access to library members.

COBRA is a continually expanding business encyclopaedia covering all aspects of starting and running a business. You can see factsheets, guides and trade information - including industry specific information and government support about business interruption loans.

Click here to visit the COBRA website and use your library card number to log in (including the initial B) where it asks for your ticket number.

Back to Top

Encyclopaedia Britannica

Britannica 25 Years Logo

Encyclopaedia Britannica delivers reliable information fast - with articles, images, videos and maps. Your library card number gives you access to three sites in one to cater for all levels - with Junior, Student and Adult versions. Temporary library card numbers (issued when Join the Library) can also be used.

To access Encyclopaedia Britannica from your home computer you will need to enter your Library Card Membership Number (including the B) when prompted for your library number (for example  B761234567. Note that some numbers end with an X and you should include this too).

Back to Top

IELTS

IELTS Logo

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System - the world’s proven English language test. Practise your written English communication skills and work on skills necessary for standardised English tests.

Access IELTS online by entering your Library Card Membership Number (including the B) when prompted for your library barcode (for example B123456789. Note that some numbers end with an X and you should include this too). Temporary library card numbers (issued when Join the Library) can also be used.

Back to Top

Where can I find useful websites offering information and educational resources?

Oxford University Press

OUP have made many learning resources freely accessible for an extended period. Try some of the following links for specific topics:

Back to Top

Learn My Way

The Learn My Way website offers free online courses for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world.

Barrington Stoke

Barrington Stoke is a small, independent and award-winning children’s publisher who works to break down barriers to reading. They are currently offering a free digital pack of advice and resources to support dyslexic children/young people learning from home. Tips on home schooling, expert advice, access to activities & free resources and useful links for teachers and carers.

The Skills Toolkit

The Skills Toolkit is made up of free online courses, tools and resources to help you improve your digital and numeracy skills. The Department of Education has sourced a list of free, high quality digital and numeracy courses to suit a range of interests and skill levels.

Back to Top

The National Archives

The National Archives are making digital records available on their website free of charge for as long as the Kew site is closed to visitors.

The Reading Agency

Now you can access The Reading Agency at home with the Reading Agency Hub. You can access ideas, activities and challenges from across the programmes to entertain and educate yourself, your family or those you're teaching remotely. New activities every fortnight.

How can I watch your online Storytimes?

You can watch our storytimes on the Milton Keynes Libraries YouTube channel as often as you'd like! We also have Signed Storytimes for our younger viewers.

Back to Top

Last Updated: 13 April 2021