More Fylde coast libraries set to reopen

St Annes, Fleetwood and Freckleton are set to be the next Fylde coast libraries to reopen.
St Annes LibrarySt Annes Library
St Annes Library

They are among 14 which Lancashire County Council plans to revive after lockdown next Wednesday, August 19 – but people will need to book an appointment before visiting.

A similar number, including Ansdell as Fylde’s sole initial representative, reopened on July 27.

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Opening hours of the latest contingent will be Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm but there are also plans to open eight libraries on Saturdays between 10am and 2pm from August 22 and they include St Annes amd Fleetwood.

As of today, appointments can be booked to use the Six of the Best service or a slot for the Browse and Borrow Service from August 19, at the libraries set to reopen.

The Browse and Borrow service means that customers are able to come into the library for a pre-booked 30 minute period and choose up to 20 books.

There is a limit on how many people can come into the building at any one time because of social distancing.

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Customers using the Six of the Best service can collect a selection of up to six books chosen by library staff at a pre-booked appointment time.

Public computers will also be available to customers, but will have to be booked in advance to ensure social distancing. Access to printers and photocopiers will also be available.

The online system to book an appointment is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/libraries

For those who can’t book online, appointments can be made by calling 0300 123 6703.

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As other libraries 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. County Coun Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “It is such good news that we are now able to welcome our customers back into 14 more of our libraries.

“We are taking a phased, step-by-step approach to this, and we are also making more of our services available in the libraries as well, as we cautiously make our way back to normal.

“I’m grateful for everyone’s patience and understanding, and I’d ask everyone to keep an eye on our website and social media channels where we will announce further details of more libraries reopening.”

Anyone wanting to return books can do this by placing them in the returned books container at the entrance of the libraries that are open.

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No appointment will be necessary to do this, but people may need to queue in a socially distanced way so that this process can be safely managed. Books will be quarantined for 72 hours before they are re-shelved.