First Valley library re-opens – but you’ll have to book visit
●● Rawtenstall Library is reopening on Monday
RAWTENSTALL Library will become the first of the Valley’s libraries to re-open from lockdown on Monday.
But the opening hours will be reduced and users will need to book an appointment before visiting.
The Lancashire County Council-run libraries have been closed since March when the coronavirus restrictions were introduced with mobile libraries off the road and buildings closed to the public. The opening hours of five re-opened libraries across East Lancashire - Rawtenstall, Accrington, Coal Clough in Burnley, Nelson, and Whalley will be Monday to Friday, from 10am to 1pm.
Once the online appointments system is ready and live next week, customers will be able to book online or call the library helpline to book a slot.
As other libraries across the Valley will remain closed for now, customers can make an appointment to visit any of the libraries that are open, even if it isn’t their local library.
People who have made an appointment to visit will be asked to provide their name and contact details to support the NHS Test and Trace system.
The home library service is now also available, prioritising the most vulnerable customers. Library staff will choose books and arrange delivery to borrowers.
Coun Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services, said:
“We are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back into our libraries, but we need to take a phased, step-bystep approach to this.
“Although we don’t have a firm timetable at the moment, colleagues are working hard to establish which libraries can open next, and putting plans in place so that the buildings are Covid–19 secure.
“The reopening of more libraries must also be seen in the context of all the other services that the county council provides, and the buildings that they operate from, being reopened and also made Covid–19 secure.
“We are following national guidelines on the safe reopening of our buildings very carefully, including libraries.”