Libraries, museums and galleries previous b4 tier 4

Museums and Galleries

Our museums and galleries re-opened on Monday 27 July 2020 with their normal opening hours.

• Entry will remain free of charge, however all visitors must pre-book a ticket for a one hour period; if you would like to stay longer you can book an additional slot, but you will have to leave the premises for the 15 minute turn over period. You could use this time to visit the wonderful on site café!
• Tickets can be booked by calling 01292 445447. Internet booking options will be live shortly and details will appear on this page when they are available.
• If you arrive without having pre-booked you can get a ticket on arrival by calling 01292 445447. If you are unable to do so please speak to a Gallery Assistant on site. If the building is full you will need to wait until the next available time slot.
• In order to support NHS Scotland's Test and Protect service, it is necessary for us to gather contact information from members of the public. If you are attending as a small household group, the contact details for one member - a 'lead member' - will be sufficient alongside the size of the group. Collecting contact details will be voluntary, but it is important that both premises, employers, customers and individuals cooperate, as it will be crucial to national efforts to suppress the virus.           
• There will be a one-way system in place that visitors must follow and there will be clear signage to direct you.
• There will be hand sanitiser dispensers at each door way and we would ask that you use this upon arrival and regularly throughout your visit.  
• There will be a one in and one out system for use of the toilets.
• Visitors are asked to wear a face covering whilst indoors, if you are able to do so.
• Staff will be wearing face coverings, if they are able to do so.
• All interactive elements of exhibitions have been removed.
• Automatic release fire doors will be kept open to reduce the need to touch doors, however manual fire doors must remain closed.
• All frequently touched points will be cleaned regularly.
• 2m floor markings will be in place throughout the building and we ask that you maintain a 2m distance when inside.

Libraries

In line with Government Guidance, our Libraries will operate reduced hours for Connect and Collect for books only, from Monday 27 July. There is no public access in any of the Libraries.

To access the Connect and Collect service please contact your local library by phone to have a chat about your requirements and to make arrangements to collect the books available for you.

• Staff will take your requests for up to 5 titles, either by author or genre.
• You will be allocated a time slot to collect your books. Please bring your own bag to put your books in.

Returning books - Books can be returned to libraries within the reduced operational hours.

Book Requests

Our request service for books in stock will be available on our online catalogue or by phoning your local branch library (check opening hours before phoning). Government Guidance means this service will operate a little more slowly than before, but we aim to deliver your hold to your chosen pickup point as soon as possible.

DVD Lending Service

Our DVD Lending Serviceis being added to our current Connect and Collect phone only service. DVDs will be available for loan from Ayr, Carnegie, Troon, Prestwick, Alloway, Forehill, Maybole, and Girvan Libraries and The Marr Educational Resources Centre only. Discuss your preference with staff over the phone and they will select a max. of 2 DVDs from their stock for you to borrow for a week free of charge.  (Young adults 12-16 years can also use this service but will be limited to 1 DVD).

Mobile Library

The Mobile Library will be returning in a reduced capacity to communities across South Ayrshire from Monday 12th October 2020.

• Contact the mobile library by email, by phone or by requesting items using our online catalogue for the next visit.

• We will take your requests for up to 5 titles, either by author or genre.

• Please bring your own bag to put your books in.

• Books can be returned in the drop box provided.

For Mobile Library stops, dates and times visit our Mobile Calendar.

Contact our Mobile Library

To enquire about our Mobile Library Service phone 07971 349523 or email carnegie.library@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Reduced operating hours for South Ayrshire libraries are as below.

Alloway Library (01292 442395)

Ballantrae Library (01465 831521)

Carnegie Library, Ayr  (01292 286385)

For the Connect and Collect service and to return items, please use the entrance on Garden Street, which is at the rear of this building.

Forehill Library (01292 265591)

Girvan Library (01465 712813)

John Rodie Library, Mossblown (01292 520792)

Maybole Library (01655 883044)

Prestwick Library (01292 476769)

Symington Library (01563 830066)

Tarbolton Library (01292 541211)

Troon Library (01292 315352)

Marr Educational Resource Centre (MERC) (01292 313809)

Customers can still access our free e-reader offer of newspapers, books and magazines as normal.

The Grain Exchange

If you have any enquiries regarding bookings at the Grain Exchange, please contact Joan Elliott at joan.elliott@south-ayrshire.gov.uk or 01292 616273.