‘Click and collect’ at reopened libraries

A YORKSHIRE council which has come under pressure in recent years for reducing public library services has announced a new plan to breathe new life into them.

Officials at Bradford Council’s library service are now extending the “order and collect service” for books to another six sites.

In addition to Bradford, Keighley and Shipley libraries which have been running the service for two weeks, Eccleshill, Manningham, Wibsey, Burley, Menston and Silsden will be the latest sites to offer this facility.

The latest phase of reopening includes three community-run libraries.

The new service allows customers to order books by reserving them from Bradford Libraries’ online catalogue as well as by email or phone. Customers will then be able to collect their orders from libraries that are open at an agreed time slot.

The council’s executive member for healthy people and places, Coun Sarah Ferriby, said: “We are working hard to prepare for the roll-out to all libraries as soon as reasonably possible and really looking forward to welcoming our customers back again.”

In 2019, the council said it was looking at reducing opening hours or using volunteers in libraries to save cash, but insisted it was trying to avoid closures.

In the latest move, social-distancing rules will apply, protective screens will be used in some areas and staff will be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.