Fulwood and Leyland libraries will be open for longer as of Monday 17 August.

The opening hours will be 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday.

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Appointments can be booked to use the ‘six of the best’ service in the afternoon after 17 August , and slots to use the ‘browse and borrow’ service will be available next week.

The browse and borrow service means customers can visit the library for a pre-booked 30 minute period, and choose up to 20 books. There will be a limit on how many people can go into a library at any one time.

Also from Monday 17 August, some of the public access computers will be available at the libraries that have opened. Customers should use the online booking system to use this service.

Read more: More of Preston’s Libraries get ready to re-open

When visiting the library for a browse and borrow appointment or to use the public PCs, customers will be asked to provide their name and contact details to support the NHS Test and Trace system. During their visit, customers will be required to wear a face covering.

Read more: 11-year-old Millie’s face masks coming to Preston Market

The ground floor lending 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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As other libraries will remain closed for now, customers can make an appointment to visit any of the libraries that are open, even if it isn’t their local library.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “It is great that we have started to welcome our customers back into our libraries, but we are taking a phased, step-by-step approach to this.

“I am sure that customers will appreciate the longer opening hours, as we try to cautiously get back to a normal service.

“I’m grateful for everyone’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 more libraries reopening.”

Read more: The Harris reopens museum and galleries after lockdown

Anyone wanting to return books can do this by placing them in the returned books container at the entrance of the libraries that are open.

No appointment will be necessary to do this, but people may need to queue in a socially distanced way so that this process can be safely managed. Books will be quarantined for 72 hours before they are re-shelved.

Customers will not be charged for any overdue items.

Read more: Home library service resumes across Preston

The online system to book an appointment is available on the Lancashire County Council website.

For those who can’t book online, appointments can be made by calling 0300 123 6703.

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Will you be going to the library now restrictions are easing? Let us know in the comments below.