Phased reopening for Blackpool libraries but those in Fylde and Wyre staying closed for time being

From Monday, July 27, Layton, Moor Park and Palatine libraries will be open on Monday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Blackpool Council says the phased approach is aimed at ensuring that the necessary additional safety measures are in place for each premises to meet the Government’s Covid-secure guidelines.

The remaining libraries will be opened and hours extended soon as it is safe to do so.

When the doors reopen, customers will be able to: return books and other items; borrow and browse items and access computer facilities, but as with many other venues, there will be some necessary restrictions and procedures in place, including: reduced visitor capacity; limited time on library computers; mandatory hand sanitising upon entry and exit; use of protective screens at counters and around computer terminals and no public toilet access or casual seating

Additional cleaning measures have also been put into place to prepare the libraries for re-opening.

Upon arrival, customers will also be asked to provide contact details to assist with the Government’s Test and Trace programme.

That information will be shared with NHS Test and Trace where requested, to identify people who may have been exposed to Covid-19.

Coun Maria Kirkland, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for community cohesion and leisure, said: “We are really pleased that many customers have discovered our fantastic virtual offer during the lockdown period, including e-books, e-magazines and newspapers, storytelling and rhyme time sessions; and that we have been able to deliver a wide range of services online.

“However, we know how much our residents value visiting our library buildings. We are also conscious that many people don’t have the necessary means of accessing virtual services from home. The Libraries team has been working hard to get each location back open so that we can better meet the needs of our communities during this difficult time.

“We are taking small steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and we ask anyone visiting our libraries from July 27 to familiarise themselves with the guidance in place, as well as the latest advice on social distancing and hygiene.”

Meaanwhile, Preston’s Harris Library has become the first under the crontrol of Lancashire County Council to reopen after lockdown but the latest update from County Hall says others, including those in Fylde and Wyre, are to remain closed for the time being.

And when they do start to reopen, it could well be a case of only one in a particular area, initially at least, to allow for quarantining of books and other safety measures to keep Covid-19 at bay.

The County Council’s latest update said: “We want to reassure you that we are working hard to implement a phased reopening of our other libraries across the county as soon as we can.

“A key priority will be making sure that a safe environment is created for you and our library staff.

“Please bear with us as we need to consider issues like the quarantining of returned books as well as social distancing at both the entrance and within our buildings.

“We are prioritising our most vulnerable customers by working on resuming the home library service first.

“Our phased approach will involve initially reopening at least one library in each district across the county, so that you can return your books and we can quarantine them.

“We will provide more information about which libraries and when over the coming weeks.”