Guest blog: Coffee, chat, community and much more at Exeter Library

By Callum Elliott-Archer, Centre Manager at Exeter Library

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Exeter Library is both a peaceful spot and a vibrant hub in the centre of the city. If you’re looking for that special place in the centre of Exeter where you can not only grab a coffee but enjoy so many more extras, why not drop in to the library?

What to expect at Exeter Library this summer

Our staff have pulled out the stops to ensure our books, groups and other services have been brought to people’s screens and homes throughout the pandemic. But we we’re really excited to be seeing people face to face again!

The library itself is a landmark building in Exeter. Built in 1965 in a bold, sleek style typical of the period, it was given a major refurbishment in 2014, transforming it into a spacious, contemporary community hub.

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We’re gearing up to open our library to visitors, starting with our café, the Owl and the Pussycat, which is once again in business between 10am and 3pm Monday to Saturday, with seating outside in the peaceful garden and takeaways.

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Here’s what else you can do right now:

- Use one of our computers for up to an hour. Book online, by phone, email or in person or drop in.  Drop in will be subject to availability. 

- Browse books – choose books from our shelves. Once you’ve finished looking, make sure you put them in our ‘quarantine boxes’. At the end of each day, they’re safely quarantined for 72 hours.

- Choose and Collect If you’re a Devon Libraries member reserve your book using our website, and you will be notified when it is available for collection.

- Entertain the children. We’ve got a big children’s library with plenty for kids to do.

- Take part in our events and activities over the summer including our regular Summer Reading Challenge which encourages children to read 10 books. You can take part of our Reading Friends groups online if you’re a parent or child carer and feeling a little isolated, join a reading group and try out our Lost Librarian escape room challenge or FabLab workshops. You can look at our website for more on what we’re up to.

- Finally if you’re running or starting a business, why not check out our Business and IP Centre? We’ve got a wealth of information to help you, from online resources to catalogues and magazines.

- Looking ahead, we’ll be welcoming people back into our café and hosting bigger events and meetings as things open up – check out website for details www.devonlibraries.org.uk

COVID safety measures

Of course we’ll still be making sure everyone’s safe while they’re in the library with 2 metre social distancing, plenty of hand sanitiser, regular cleaning and a one-way system. You’ll need to wear a face mask and please use the QR code for the NHS Test and Trace app.

Why not join our libraries online in advance? You’ll then also be able to immediately download and stream free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers from our extensive collection as well as Ancestry Library Edition.

Check out our social media for the latest - @exeter.library and @exeterlibrarycoffeehouse on Instagram, Exeter Library on Facebook, @ExeterLibrary on Twitter, or email exeter.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk

Information correct as at 26th April 2021.  Please check our website for latest information including covid updates Exeter Library - Devon (devonlibraries.org.uk).  Photos taken pre-covid.