Visit the Lit & Phil

A message to our much valued Members & Visitors

In these unprecedented times we have decided to close the Library until further notice for the time being.  This will be kept under constant review.

This is not a decision we have made lightly as we are aware of the important role we play in the North East community, hosting events and classes and ‘feeding minds and souls’ with music, ideas and literature. However, the risk to the UK has been raised to high as the COVID-19 pandemic escalates (yet to peak) and it is critical that we play our part in helping to reduce the danger of further human-to-human transmission.  It is the Society’s utmost priority to protect the wellbeing of our staff, visitors and members above all else. 

We are closely monitoring the fast changing situation and while we are shut remain committed (more so now than ever before) to communicating with you regularly.  We will be embracing technology by sending you regular e-newsletters and frequently posting across our social media channels. Our aim is to play a small role in giving something of value to entertain and inspire you and lift your spirits during this troubled time.  We are also considering other ways we can galvanise our resources and volunteers and support you remotely while you self-isolate and our doors remain shut.  We will keep you posted with our plans as and when they come to fruition.

In the meantime, please be reassured of the following:

• We have relaxed all our loan periods, and would urge you to please not post books back to us. Do hold onto them as long as you need to while this situation is upon us (and as you already know we never charge fines).
• All books we are coming into contact with now and over the coming months will be cleaned with antibacterial wipes.

We are committed to working through this together in the most responsible and compassionate way we can, just as you would expect us to.  While uncertainty abounds, please know that our commitment and loyalty to you, our valued Members, visitors and supporters remains as steadfast as ever.

Take care, stay strong and keep reading!

Your Lit & Phil team

If you are worried you may have contracted the illness, call NHS 111 or use 111 online 

The library is closed until further notice. However, as soon as we can we will be reinstating our famous and popular guided tours.