Booking a library computer

Using a computer in lockdown

From Monday 9 November, library members can use computers for; benefit applications, education, job searches and public service purposes at these libraries: 

• Childs Hill
• Chipping Barnet
• Colindale 
• Edgware
• Finchley Church End.

Due to lockdown restrictions, you will not be able to use library computers for television streaming services or any other reasons during this period.

How to make your booking

You must have a library card to use a computer. 

If you do not have a library card, you can apply online before your visit.

If you cannot apply online, please call us at the library where you want to make your computer booking.

Calling to make your booking

Phone lines for computer bookings at your preferred library are open on specific days and times.

Childs Hill library 

Call 020 8359 3900 to book a computer on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 9am to 5pm.  

Computers are available:

• Tuesday from 10am to 1pm
• Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm
• Thursday from 1pm to 4pm.

Chipping Barnet Library

Call 020 8359 4040 to book a computer on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Computers are available:

• Tuesday from 2pm to 5pm
• Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Colindale Library

Call 020 8359 3930 to book a computer on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Computers are available:

• Tuesday from 10am to 1pm
• Saturday from 2pm to 5pm.

Edgware Library

Call 020 8359 2626 to book a computer on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Computers are available:

• Monday from 2pm to 5pm
• Thursday from 10am to 1pm.

Finchley Church End Library

Call 020 8359 3800 to book a computer on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Computers are available:

• Monday from 10am to 1pm
• Wednesday from 10am to 1pm.

Information about your booking

Each booking lasts 45 minutes. You can have 1 booking at any time and are limited to 1 session per day.

As we are following government and health advice, we are unable to provide help unless we can do so safely. You can develop your digital skills online for free.

Guidelines for using library computers

• you must attend your booking alone unless you are accompanying a child with a booking. One adult may accompany one child
• due to updated government instruction all library customers are required to wear a face covering while in the library building
• on arrival, please wait at the front door and we will let you in
• please arrive 5 minutes before the start of your booking. If you arrive late, your session will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you arrive 10 minutes late then your session will be 35 minutes long
• you will not be able to browse or borrow books. This is because we have to quarantine books before they can be borrowed. You can borrow books, CDs and DVDs in our Select and Collect service
• know your library PIN number. If you have forgotten your PIN you can either reset it online or call us before your booking
• provide the library with a contact number or email so we can reach you in the event of a problem
• follow instructions to maintain social distancing within the library
• agree to our Acceptable Usage policy
• toilets are currently closed to the public.

Watch our video to find out more:

 

Printing information

• black and white printing: 20p per A4 sheet
• colour printing: 80p per A4 sheet.

Payment for printing must be made in cash at the self-service machines in Childs Hill, Finchley Church End and Colindale libraries. You can pay by cash or card at Chipping Barnet and Edgware libraries. 

If you need to print, please do so within your 45-minute booking slot, as you will not able to use the PC after your session.

NHS Test and Trace

In order to assist the NHS’s Test and Trace service, the Council is maintaining a temporary record of our visitors. This information will be shared with the NHS if needed.

We will collect the following information from you:

• name 
• contact number 
• date and time of your visit 
• names of any staff members you interact with.

This is a voluntary scheme and nobody visiting our premises is required to provide their details.

We encourage our customers to share their details in order to support NHS Test and Trace.

If you prefer us not to share this data with the NHS, you can opt-out. Staff will ask you when you make your booking, or you can email us librariesonlinehelp@barnet.gov.uk

The Council will not verify any visitor’s identity for NHS Test and Trace purposes. 

Public Wi-Fi

For the safety of our staff and customers, wifi is not currently available. Please check back for details on plans to re-start this service in the future.  

Computer classes

While our face-to-face computer classes are on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can develop your digital skills online for free