The Harris Museum in Preston announces phased reopening

The ground floor will open first, with the main library offering a book lending and returns service.

The shop will also open for purchases and there will be a takeaway café service.

The friendly Harris team - whilst social distancing - will guide and direct visitors safely through the ground floor area using a one way system. There will be information and assistance available, and visitors can be reassured that all government guidelines and safety measures will be strictly adhered to.

In this first phase there will be reduced opening hours from 10.30am – 3.30pm with the building closed on Sundays, including this Sunday July 12.

The public computers will continue to be unavailable for the time being.

Coun Peter Kelly, Preston City Council Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “We are excited to be welcoming back visitors to the Harris and have been working hard to ensure this is managed safely. The Harris is a multi-functional space, and as the main library in Lancashire, will be the first to open. Smaller local branch libraries will follow as soon as they are confirmed as safe to do so.

“Following this first phased opening of the Harris we will look to open other floors of the building including the museum and art gallery spaces in the coming weeks.”

There is no need to book before visiting and the Harris building is free to enter. However, to maintain social distancing, there may be times visitors will have to queue and so are being asked to limit their visits to 15 minutes.

Visitors will not be required to wear a face covering to enter the building, however it would assist in the protection of staff and other visitors.

During this first phase the toilets will not reopen.

Please read the list of FAQs on the Harris website to answer any questions you may have before visiting. If you are unable to access the information digitally you can contact the Harris on 01772 258248 (office 10am – 4pm) or email [email protected]