Library books in for new service

A NEW ‘request and collect’ service will see residents able to safely borrow physical library books once again as part of the phased reopening of the borough’s libraries.

As of Monday, the scheme gives residents the opportunity for contactless collection of books, initially from five library branches in Spotland, Milnrow, Littleborough, Heywood and Middleton.

Library staff will process orders and customers will be contacted when the order is ready to be collected at a specific time slot.

Tables will be set up at the front door of each library building for customers to collect their books.

All returned books will be quarantined, in line with strict Public Health England infection control policies, for at least the recommended 72 hours.

The request and collect service is the first stage of a phased reopening of local library services over the coming weeks.

Throughout lockdown, residents have been able to access e-books and audio books via the borough’s libraries using the BorrowBox app.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “The online service is continuing alongside this phased reopening at five selected branches, which are located in townships across the borough. We will be ensuring rigorous infection control procedures are in place and strictly adhered to at all times.“The safety and wellbeing of our library customers and staff is our number one number priority.”

Orders can be placed using an online form at www.rochdale.gov.uk/ requestandcollect or by telephoning the library service at 0300 303 8876, available 9am-5pm.