Libraries across Bath and North East Somerset will once again offer Covid-safe browsing from Monday 12th April, alongside a limited mobile library service.
Following the easing of Government restrictions, residents will be able to browse the resources available at Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries.
The libraries will continue to operate their collection service from 10am – 4pm weekdays, with locals able to borrow up to twenty books at a time
To ensure social distancing, the number of people entering a library at any one time will be limited, and a dropbox will be available at the entrance to each library.
The mobile library will also resume following an amended route, to provide a safe service to help isolated people access new reading material they might not have enjoyed since lockdown.
It will offer a reduced timetable in the mornings with most stops limited to 30 minutes.
A ‘grab and go’ offer of pre-selected books will be available, as well as a reservation collection service.
The mobile library timetable will be available to view from tomorrow, Friday 9th April, at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/mobile-library-service.
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, the public will not be able to board the library or browse.
Mandy Bishop, Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’m delighted residents will once again be able to browse the fantastic range of books and other resources our libraries have to offer
“I’m particularly pleased that we are able to bring our mobile library back into service, as it’s a highly valued resource for residents who live in isolated communities, many of whom have waited a long time to access new things to read.
“To keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of Covid-19, visiting our libraries will be a different experience for the time being.
“We ask all our customers to follow social distancing rules and please be patient if you have to wait in a queue.”
The public computers at Bath Central Library, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton will be available again, on a first come first serve basis for a maximum of a 30 minutes session.
The self-study areas remain closed in all libraries.
