How to use the online alarm clock
As you hand the mobile-library return over to a colleague, set the alarm for 11:49 am so they know exactly when to take the books outside. That leaves a clear handover point before 12:00 pm, without relying on someone noticing the clock while sorting library cards, bags or the last few returns.
While your colleague carries the books, this alarm page may sit behind another browser page without disappearing; it should keep counting towards 11:49 am, though some browsers may restrict background activity. Leave the alarm page open and keep the phone or computer awake. If the browser closes or the device goes to sleep, the alarm cannot sound, so the books could miss the mobile library despite the time having been set correctly. Keep the sound level high enough for the person taking over to hear it.
Before the mobile library arrives, place the books somewhere sheltered but close to the exit. Late morning air can feel damp in Britain, particularly after drizzle, and humid conditions may leave covers or paper bags slightly clammy if they wait outdoors. At 11:49 am, check whether the air is still wet before carrying everything out; a reusable waterproof bag or a dry box near the door keeps the handover quick while limiting exposure.
Common questions
Can I change the sound?
Yes, there is a short list of tones to pick from before you press Start. Softer sounds are easy to sleep through, so a firmer bell tends to be the safer choice for anything early in the morning.
Will it still be right when the clocks change?
Yes. It reads your device's local clock, so the move between GMT and BST at the end of March and October is picked up automatically, as long as the computer's date, time and time zone are set correctly.
Can I use this on a phone?
It works in a mobile browser, but phones lock the screen and suspend background tabs far more readily than a laptop does, which can stop the alarm sounding. For anything important, a desktop or a plugged-in laptop is the steadier option.
Does the alarm still work if I close the tab?
No. Everything runs inside this page, so closing the tab — or quitting the browser altogether — ends the countdown there and then. Leaving it open in the background is all it asks, and switching to another tab makes no difference.
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