As the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) announces the resumption of walk-in services for its Heritage and Public Libraries on October 14, the organisation affirms that it is committed to combining safety and service delivery.

To this end, protocols which were put in place when services reopened in June will still obtain. Additionally, a few changes have been made to the opening and closing times as well as the number of services being offered at this time.

Patrons are required to wash/sanitise their hands, practise social distancing, wear a face mask and submit to temperature checks to access services. Library hours have been adjusted to Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Computer and lending services will resume however study rooms will remain closed until further notice. For the safety of staff and patrons, a limited number of persons will be allowed in each library at a time and children twelve years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to access services.

Appointments are required to gain access to the Heritage Library, National Library Building for research and reference purposes. Email asknalis@nalis.gov.tt or call 624-4466, 623-1130 or 625-5255 extension 2203 for appointments.

NALIS’ amnesty on overdue books has been extended to October 31, 2020. Books and DvDs are to be returned by placing them in book return bins at public libraries. Returned items will remain in quarantine for a period of time and then thoroughly sanitised. This process may take up to seven working days which will delay the updating of patrons’ accounts.

Persons who don’t feel comfortable to come into the library can access NALIS’ ebooks and resources via www.nalis.gov.tt and a host of programmes via each library’s Facebook page. For research questions and queries email AskNALIS@nalis.gov.tt.

Online registration for library membership is available via the NALIS website.