Library users will have to wait a little longer
ASHBOURNE’S library is not among the seven in the county given the go-ahead to reopen this week, Derbyshire County Council has confirmed.
The Compton building – one of the most modern in the county – will be brought back into use in what the council is calling a second phase of reopening its 45 libraries, but a date has not been announced.
Initially, during the first phase, libraries have started reopening in stages, with Heanor, Matlock and Swadlincote opening on Monday, Dronfield reopening yesterday, Chesterfield opening today and Buxton and Long Eaton’s libraries due to open tomorrow.
Details of the second phase of reopenings are due to be announced soon, says the council and, along with Ashbourne, these will include Alfreton, Belper, Bolsover, Glossop, Ilkeston and Ripley.
All the libraries, which have been closed since Friday, March 20, will be reopened with strict restrictions in place to keep customers and staff safe.
Visitors will only be allowed access if they have booked an appointment in advance.
Opening hours will be reduced to 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm on Saturdays, and borrowing of books or use of computers must be booked in advance over the phone.
The authority says its library staff will monitor how the new systems put in place are working and ensure social distancing can be adhered to, before rolling out the reopening of other libraries across the county.
Barry Lewis, council leader and cabinet member for strategic leadership, tourism and culture, said: “Seven libraries will reopen this week and we will monitor each one very closely to make sure that the measures in place are sufficient to keep everyone safe while still being able to offer a service.
“It’s really important that people book an appointment to visit and don’t just turn up at the door.
“These are temporary measures and we are obviously working towards opening up the service further when we are sure it is safe to do so, with the overall aim being to reopen all 45.
“We know how important libraries are to people, and we’ve seen the number of library members rise by more than 1,100 during lockdown, with Derbyshire residents taking advantage of the excellent range of free services available online, from e-books and e-newspapers to activities and research materials.”
All currently borrowed books and other items have been automatically renewed until 30 September 2020 and people are being urged not to bring them back unless they have made a “Book and Borrow” appointment. No overdue charges will be incurred for books which are currently borrowed.