Seven libraries to reopen across Northamptonshire...but it will be very different

Seven libraries across Northamptonshire will reopen to the public early next month, the county council confirmed tonight, Wednesday.

From Monday, July 6, the county council will begin a phased reopening.

The libraries to reopen are Wellingborough, Irthlingborough, Brackley, Kettering, Weston Favell, Daventry and Oundle, with initial opening times being Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10- 4pm, and Saturdays from 10 – 2pm.

Due to the necessity for safe ways of working, including rigorous cleaning regimes and the management of staff timetabling, library services will initially be restricted to:

* A signposting enquiry service

* Access to the internet by booked appointment

* A select and collect lending service by prior arrangement only

The normal range of activities and browsing will not be possible at this stage and customers visiting the library may find they need to wait outside to be assisted by staff.

Councillor Lizzy Bowen, Deputy Leader of the council, said: “We are pleased to be able to reopen our libraries as lockdown measures are eased. The phased reopening will ensure that health and safety measures are in place and social distancing guidelines can be adhered to, to protect both our staff and customers.

“We have ensured that our popular library services are available online throughout lockdown, and look forward to gradually being able to offer these in our libraries once again.”