Libraries will re-open in Bucks on Monday

Buckinghamshire libraries are looking forward to re-opening their doors and welcoming customers back, with 22 libraries set to reopen on Monday 6 July.

Customers will find several changes to the services offered and the way the libraries operate.

Book borrowing, computer hire, printing and information services will be available – but libraries will be unable to provide newspapers, study areas or group activities. In addition, to support the NHS Test and Trace initiative, staff will ask customers to provide contact details when they enter a library.

However, council chiefs say this information will only be used for this purpose and will be destroyed after 21 days.

Work on the safety arrangements has yet to be completed in Amersham and Marlow, and so these two libraries will delay re-opening until 21 July.

And five smaller community libraries are planning to reopen in August or September, but some will continue to offer a Request & Collect service to enable customers to keep borrowing books until then.

If customers are planning to visit their local library, the council says they should check Buckinghamshire Council's libraries webpage before they visit as, for the moment, libraries are operating on reduced hours. The libraries webpage can be found here: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/information-about-local-library. In addition, customers can familiarise themselves with the new safety measures by going to: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/visiting-a-library-during-coronavirusIn line with the latest government guidance, libraries will continue to review their safety measures and opening hours.

Cllr Gareth Williams, cabinet member for communities and public health, commented:

"Our online library and Request & Collect service have proved to be incredibly popular over the last few weeks, but I know how much our customers want to get back into our libraries. As well as offering book borrowing and computer hire, our libraries have a crucial role to play in supporting businesses, jobs and the wellbeing of residents," said Gareth. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our library staff, volunteers and customers for their continued and valuable support during lockdown."

Further information on Buckinghamshire Council's library service is available here: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/librariesWith libraries reopening, the council will also gradually open the majority of the Council Access Points (CAPs) sites across the county. These access points are available to help support residents who don’t have the means to access council services from home. Details of the locations for each CAP, what support is available and the opening times can be found on the following webpage: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/your-council/visit-the-council