Residents across Bath and North East Somerset will be able to browse the bookshelves for their next great read as libraries begin reopening more services following lockdown.

Bath Central Library | Photo © B&NES Council
Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries will reopen for browsing and collection of reservations from Tuesday 22nd September, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Protocols will be in place to protect public health, including visitors needing to wear face coverings unless they have a special exemption, as well as following social distancing rules and applying hand sanitiser.
The number of people entering the library at any one time will be limited to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
As well as browsing, the libraries team will be working their way through the reservations made since lockdown.
New reservations have a limit of 10 titles per person. Loan periods will return to their usual three-week limit and DVDs can be borrowed for 21 days.
There will still be a limited range of pre-selected book bundles to ‘grab and go’ and books should continue to be returned through the designated drop-boxes at library entrances.
Public computers and self-study areas will remain closed at present.
Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “I’d like to thank residents for their patience while our library team has been working through how we can increase what we can safely provide.
“It’s encouraging that people have continued to enjoy the services we’ve been able to offer during and following lockdown, including our virtual library and the ‘grab and go’ book bundle service.
“However, we know being able to discover new books themselves is something people have missed, so I’m pleased we are now in a position to invite visitors back once more.
“Please remember to follow the social distancing measures in place to keep you and others safe.”