Mitchell Library FAQ’s

Are you operating normal opening hours?

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Mitchell Library Opening Hours

The following opening hours will be in effect from 14 February 2022

Will I have to book to visit The Mitchell?

Glasgow City Archives remains appointment only. For most items within The Mitchell Library, there is no need to book. Some items such as rare books and manuscripts within Special Collections will need to be viewed in Glasgow City Archives’ search room during their opening hours, and this requires advance booking. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact Special Collections at specialcollections@glasgowlife.org.uk or 0141 287 2988.

How do I book PC access?

You do not need to book a PC in advance but should you wish to do so email Mitchelllibrary@glasgowlife.org.uk or calling The Mitchell Library during opening hours on 0141 287 2999. Drinks can be consumed at desks/PCs but food can only be consumed in the designated areas. We ask that customers dispose of waste appropriately.

How do I book an appointment for a research session (Special Collections, General Collections, or  Business)?

While no appointments are necessary, if you are travelling from further afield you may wish to let us know you are coming and allow us to prepare material in advance.

To book in advance for Special Collections, General Services, or Business, please email Mitchelllibrary@glasgowlife.org.uk or call The Mitchell Library during opening hours on 0141 2872999.

How do I book a research appointment to access Archives?

All appointments are free and for one person only.

To book a research appointment with Archives, please email Archives@glasgowlife.org.uk  or call Glasgow City Archives during opening hours on 0141 287 2910.

Please book at least one week and a maximum of four weeks in advance. Archives appointments will be for a maximum of three hours per session.

Please note, Archives customers will be limited to one appointment per day, and a maximum of one visit per week.  

Customers can request up to six items in advance of an Archives session. Materials are only available for use during your appointment. All documents will be quarantined for 72 hours after use.

Four places will be available for general researchers and two for those using architectural drawings/large plans. You will be assigned a table and your order will be placed there in advance of your arrival.

You will be advised on any specific conditions on access to Archives materials and we will confirm all appointments by email where possible. You should be ready to show this email on the day.

You will be sent Reader’s Registration forms to complete in advance of your visit.

Are the study carrels available?

Yes, study carrels are available in the Mitchell Library. Study carrels can be booked on the day, and cost £5/£2.50 concessions per day.

Water can be brought into the study spaces, but no other drinks or food can be consumed in the library. We ask that customers dispose of waste appropriately.

Are the music carrels available?

Yes, music carrells are available in the Mitchell Library. Piano carrels are £3.50/£1.75 concessions, per hour. Practice carrel is £1.50. Library customers are reminded that carrels are offered on a first come, first served basis and paid for on the day, and a cleaning station will be available. Customers are reminded to please sanitise their hands at the start and end of a session, and to take all personal possessions with them when leaving the carrels.

Will I be able to borrow books?

Yes– customers will be able to borrow books.

How do I enter the library?

Customers can enter from the Granville Street (accessible entrance) and North Street entrances.

Will I be able to return books to The Mitchell?

Yes we also accept books for any Glasgow Library

Will I be able to print or photocopy?

Yes, though there will be a charge for this. To print an A4 sheet is 10p per side and to print A4 in colour is £1 per side.

Will I need to wear a face covering?

In line with Scottish Government guidance, we advise customers to continue wearing face coverings within the facility, however this is no longer mandatory from Monday 18 April.

Will hand sanitiser be available?

Yes – we have retained several measures in our venues to minimise the spread of Covid-19. These include encouraging physical distancing; Perspex screens at staff desks; the promotion of rigorous hand washing and the provision of hand sanitiser.

Will I be able to reserve a book online?

Yes, customers are able to reserve books online.

Will I be fined if I am late returning my books?

Any fines incurred during our closure and phased reopening periods will be waived until 30 June 2022.

Will regular events take place in the libraries you are reopening?

No – upon reopening, venues will be operating at reduced capacity and we’ll be unable to offer the full timetable of services and events which were available pre-lockdown.

Will Bookbug take place?

Bookbug sessions are not yet recovered at the Mitchell although some libraries do have sessions and we have weekly Bookbug sessions online every Wednesday at 10am for you to join in at home. Further details are available here.

Will there be access to Macmillan at Glasgow Libraries services?

There is now face to face Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries provision at The Mitchell on Tuesdays 11am-1pm. The following libraries also offer Macmillan appointments and drop ins.‍‍

Pollok  Library

Pollok  Civic Realm, 2EN, Cowglen Rd G53 6EW

Mondays

1pm – 3pm

Royston  Library

61 Royston  Rd G21 2QW

Tuesdays

2pm – 4pm

Partick  Library

305  Dumbarton Rd G11 6AB

Wednesdays

11am-1pm

Castlemilk  Library

100  Castlemilk Drive G45 9TN

Thursdays

12noon -1pm

Dennistoun  Library

2A  Craigpark, Glasgow G31 2NA

Thursdays

1pm – 3pm

Call 0141 287 2903 or email macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk to book an appointment.

You can also access Macmillan support by phone on 0141 287 2903 or via email macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk

Will I be able to use the self-scan kiosk?

Yes – staff will help customers to borrow and renew books using the self-scan kiosks where available.

Will any of your partner services be available?

Central CAB has returned to the Mitchell and operates during opening hours Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

For Citizens Advice Bureau information please visit www.glasgowcentralcab.org.uk

The Family History centre will reopen on Monday and Tuesday only from 9 May 2022. It will also be open one Saturday per month from 2 July 2022, (2 July, 6 August & 3 September) with the exception of Public Holidays. Spaces will be by strict appointment only and bookings can be made by calling 0141 287 7655.

For Genealogy Centre information please visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/17698/Family-History

Will newspapers and magazines be available to the public?

Newspapers and periodicals are available. Remember we do offer many eMagazines online here.

Will toilet facilities be available in reopened venues?

Yes –although, as with all areas in our facilities, social distancing is encouraged.

Will café and retail facilities be available in venues which reopen?

Yes, the café is open Monday to Thursday 9am-5.30pm and Friday and Saturday 9am-4pm.

How long will these measures be in place?

The current measures are in line with Scottish Government guidelines and will enable us to accommodate and protect our staff and visitors. These measures may change as advice from the Scottish Government is updated.

‍‍Where can I find out more information?

We will provide regular updates through our social media channels (see below) as well as on the Glasgow Life website.

The Mitchell Library on Facebook

Glasgow Libraries on Twitter and Facebook

Glasgow City Archives on Facebook and Twitter

BIPC Glasgow on Twitter‍

How can I make a donation to help support Glasgow Life?‍

As a charity, Glasgow Life is hugely grateful for the support it has received during the coronavirus pandemic, which has helped us to continue vital work in communities across the city during the most challenging of times. You can continue to help us by donating online at https://forms.glasgowlife.org.uk/Pages/donate.aspx
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