Libraries across Lancashire set to reopen with online booking system

Lancashire County Council are beginning to phase the reopening of their libraries - but visits will be by online appointment only.
Chorley Library is among those set to reopen their doors. Photo  John S TurnerChorley Library is among those set to reopen their doors. Photo  John S Turner
Chorley Library is among those set to reopen their doors. Photo John S Turner

When the coronavirus lockdown was introduced in March, libraries were among the premises that had to close their doors to the public.

From Monday July 27, 12 libraries are set to reopen across the borough, however customers wanting to visit will need to book an appointment and make use of two of the new services available.

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Library staff will be able to select up to six books for the customer to pick up at a pre-booked appointment time, or customers can browse the library and choose books, with a limit in numbers allowed in the library at any one time.

Fulwood Library is also opening their doors again for the first time since March. Photo  Rude HealthFulwood Library is also opening their doors again for the first time since March. Photo  Rude Health
Fulwood Library is also opening their doors again for the first time since March. Photo Rude Health

The online booking system is due to be set up over the next week, giving customers the opportunity to to book online or call the library helpline to book a slot.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Libraries provide a vital service for our communities and I am glad we can now announce reopening some of them.

"We've been working for a while on arrangements for reopening our libraries, and I'm delighted that the government recently gave the go-ahead for this to happen.

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"Although we are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back into our libraries, it is obvious that we need to take a phased, step-by-step approach to this. That's why we are opening up 12 of our libraries for now, and offering limited services.

Lancashire Libraries are set to reopen in the coming weeks.Lancashire Libraries are set to reopen in the coming weeks.
Lancashire Libraries are set to reopen in the coming weeks.

As other libraries across Lancashire remain closed for now, customers can make an appointment to visit any of the libraries that are open, even if it isn't their most local.

And to support the NHS Track and Trace system, people who have made an appointment to visit the library will be asked to provide their name and contact details, with a home library service also becoming available from Thursday, July 23, prioritising the most vulnerable members of society.

"People will notice significant differences in how we can safely open them, for the time-being. A big difference is that people won't just be able to visit their library, and will need to book a timeslot. This is so we can enable social distancing and limit the number of people in a library, in a way that is safe for customers and staff," said Peter Buckley.

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"We are following national guidelines on the safe reopening of libraries very carefully, and our plans will continue to be led by these. Resuming services in a safe way for our customers and staff is our top priority.

Libraries can be visited by appointment only and are operating reduced opening hours.Libraries can be visited by appointment only and are operating reduced opening hours.
Libraries can be visited by appointment only and are operating reduced opening hours.

"I'm grateful for people's patience and understanding, and I'd ask everyone to keep an eye on our website and social media channels where we will announce further details of other libraries reopening, as soon as it is safe to do so."

Libraries opening from July 27, are: Accrington, Ansdell, Chorley, Coal Clough, Fulwood, Garstang, Leyland, Morecambe, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and Whalley.

The ground floor library at The Harris in Preston, which is run by Preston City Council on behalf of Lancashire County Council, has been open since 11 July. Books can be returned and borrowed without an appointment at The Harris.

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The new opening hours of the libraries will be Monday to Friday, 10am until 1pm.

More details will be made available in the coming weeks as to which libraries will be open and when, plus what services will be available. For more information, go to lancashire.gov.uk

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