More Preston and South Ribble libraries reopening this week

More libraries are due to reopen across Preston and South Ribble this week.

Libraries at Bamber Bridge, Kingsfold, Kirkham and Sharoe Green reopen today (Wednesday 30 September).

The library at Ingol will follow from Thursday 1 October.

All libraries are operating the same opening hours as before, except they will close for lunch from 1pm to 2pm. This does not apply if the library is opening later, for example 1pm to 7pm.

The only exception is The Harris in the city centre, which is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Visitors can browse, borrow, photocopy and use computers without an appointment, but may have to queue before being able to enter as part of social distancing arrangements that limit the number of people allowed in at any one time.

Ingol Library sign — Ingol Library reopens on Thursday 1 October

Public computers will also be available for 45-minute sessions starting on the hour, on a first come, first served basis. It may be possible to extend sessions upon request if nobody else is waiting.

The music and drama lending service available to subscribing groups, such as choirs, orchestras and drama societies is also available again, though limited to collections held by Lancashire libraries.

The latest coronavirus stats in your area can be found below

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “Our library service has been working very hard to put arrangements in place to allow them to reopen, and I’m very pleased that we’ll be able to welcome even more people back from next week.

“We’ve been taking a phased approach to reopening library buildings, as well as making more of the services they provide available again as we go.

“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 for news if their local library is one of the very few we’re still working to reopen.”

People are required to wear a face covering when visiting a library unless they are exempt. Children under 11 will not be required to cover their faces. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Everyone will also be asked to provide their name and contact details to support the NHS Test and Trace system.

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. Books will be quarantined for 72 hours before they are re-shelved.

Will you be using the libraries? Let us know in the comments below