Padiham, Colne and Clitheroe libraries latest to reopen next week

And opening hours are to be extended at branches which have already opened their doors – including Whalley – following the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The opening times of all of the libraries which are set to reopen, will revert to their usual Monday to Saturday hours. Libraries will close for lunch from 1pm to 2pm with these opening times also applying to Clitheroe.

Customers will be able to browse and borrow without an appointment in all the reopened libraries.

As there is still a limit on how many people can come into a building at any one time because of social distancing, customers may have to queue.

Public computers will also be available to customers for 45 minute sessions will be available starting on the hour, on a first-come, first-served basis.

County Coun. Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “I’m delighted that we are now able to welcome our customers back into 15 more of our libraries.

“We are cautiously making our way back to normal and taking a phased, step-by-step approach to our libraries reopening.

“We are also making more of our services available in the libraries as well. I’m sure that our customers will appreciate not having to make an appointment to visit their library soon, or to use a computer.

“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.”

During their visit, customers will be required to wear a face covering. Children under 11 will not be required to cover their faces. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

When visiting the library, customers will 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. Customers will not be charged for any overdue items.

Library users are being asked to hold onto their books until they can return them to an open library and not to post them through letter boxes or leave them outside libraries. Books can be renewed online or by calling 0300 123 6704.

Full details are at www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/libraries