Ratby Library & Community Group

Our Latest News : We are opening on Tuesday 11th August 2pm until 4pm and Saturday 15th August between 10am and 12 midday

The cafe services will not be available at these times please abide by social distancing measures; wear a face mask and sanitize your hands on entry we look forward to seeing you. All loans have been extended until 5th September and no overdue fines will be charged between 17th March 2020 – 5th September 2020.

How do I renew my books and other items?

There is no need to renew your library items as all items will now not be due back to the library until 5th September 2020. We will review this date and extend it as necessary should libraries remain closed. You can renew your loans online if you wish on the Leicestershire County Council website.Will I have to pay extra for audiobooks, playaways or DVDs that I have out on loan? No, any additional charges for these items will be waived when they are returned. Can I still put a hold / request any library items? No, as all libraries are closed we cannot access the stock so unfortunately no requests will be processed until libraries reopen. How do I collect an item I have already put a hold on? Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide access to items that customers have already put on hold. We will keep these for you and you will be able to pick them up when libraries reopen.

Will I have to pay extra for audiobooks, playaways or DVDs that I have out on loan?

No, any additional charges for these items will be waived when they are returned. Can I still put a hold / request any library items? No, as all libraries are closed we cannot access the stock so unfortunately no requests will be processed until libraries reopen. How do I collect an item I have already put a hold on? Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide access to items that customers have already put on hold. We will keep these for you and you will be able to pick them up when libraries reopen. You can cancel your holds online if you wish. Ebooks, Eaudiobooks, Emagazines and Enewspapers. Leicestershire libraries offer a wide range of resources available to download onto your smartphone, Mac, PC, laptop, tablet or e-reader. Please go to our website to get more information on how to use this servicewww.leicestershire.gov.uk/libraries

How do I collect an item I have already put a hold on?

Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide access to items that customers have already put on hold. We will keep these for you and you will be able to pick them up when libraries reopen. You can cancel your holds online if you wish.

E-books, E-audiobooks, E-magazines and E-newspapers.

Leicestershire libraries offer a wide range of resources available to download onto your smartphone, Mac, PC, laptop, tablet or e-reader. Please go to our website to get more information on how to use this servicewww.leicestershire.gov.uk/libraries

If your query has not been covered by these FAQs, please contact Leicestershire County Council Libraries us on 0116 305 2695 or email us at libraries@leics.gov.uk

Our Beginning

How we founded the community library for our village

We started life as the Ratby Library Group, formed in September 2014 when it became apparent that cuts in expenditure, forced upon Leicestershire County Council by the Government through swingeing cuts to its local government grant, meant some uncomfortable choices were having to be considered. With libraries being considered a ‘soft’ target compared to more critical front-line services, a group was formed to examine options that would keep our library ‘alive’. A 10-year lease on the property is owned by the Ratby Library & Community Group, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission (Reg. No. 1164252) and we aim to ensure it remains community managed and operated.

We do hope the residents of Ratby and surrounding areas come and visit the cafe and library as doing so supports us. Over 70% of those who responded to our questionnaire felt that the community library project was worthy of support so that we can have, and develop further into the future, this important village amenity. We look forward to seeing you all soon!