New chapter for libraries set to open once again

A dozen Kent libraries are set to reopen next month as lockdown restrictions continue to be eased.

Kent County Council (KCC) has pledged to open one library in each of its districts, spanning from Sevenoaks to Thanet, in early July.

Strict social-distancing measures will be imposed at each site and returned books will be subject to a 72-hour quarantine period before they are placed back on the shelf. KCC’S head of libraries, James Pearson, described the reopening as a “careful phased approach” but a decision on which 12 libraries will reopen has yet to be finalised. Normal opening hours will be suspended and instead temporary times introduced from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

A “pilot” opening offer will encourage customers to use the library’s click and collect service while public IT usage will be limited to one hour per person and appointment only. If successful, additional sites will open in the coming months. However, Medway libraries will remain closed until the unitary authority deems it “safe” to reopen. The Towns’ sites, which include Strood, Chatham and Gillingham, have been shut since the end of March.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We will continue to follow government guidance and we are looking forward to welcoming residents back to Medway’s libraries and community hubs when it is safe to do so.” Amid the reopening of KCC libraries, several Kent councillors have raised concerns around the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for KCC library staff, such as gloves and face masks.

KCC’S main opposition leader Rob Bird (Lib Dem) said: “We as KCC members have a duty of care to our staff and not just to the individual but the collective. “We need to look very carefully at the health and safety risk.”

Mr Pearson said risk assessments had been carried out and PPE would only be needed for “specific tasks” as the local authority continues to follow Government guidance.

“In many instances gloves and face masks are not required,” he added.

12 Kent libraries will reopen but Medway’s will stay shut