Blackpool's main library is to reopen and here's what you need to know

Blackpool Council will be opening the library on September 1 as the start of a phased steps towards a full reopening.

The library, located on Queen Street in the town centre, will initially open with limited operating hours of 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Following the introduction of a number of safety measures, Layton, Moor Park and Palatine libraries were able to reopen their doors in July.

By offering varied opening times to three smaller libraries, the reopening of Central Library will ensure the service remains available to residents over the full course of the week.

As with other libraries, when the doors to Central Library reopen, people will be able to return books and other items; borrow and browse items and access computer facilities

There will be some restrictions and procedures in place, including: reduced visitor capacity; limited time on library computers; mandatory hand sanitising upon entry and exit; use of protective screens at counters and around computer terminals; no public toilet access or casual seating and mandatory use of face coverings.

Returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours and additional cleaning measures have also been put into place. Visitors will be asked to provide contact details to assist with the government’s Test and Trace programme.

Coun Gillian Campbell, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for tourism and culture with responsibility for libraries, said: “We are so pleased that the doors of our busiest library are now set to reopen. Central Library is such an iconic site and the team has worked extremely hard, learning from previous experience to ensure that people can enjoy a safe visit.

“We know how much our residents value our libraries. This is another important step forward for our local community. We ask that anyone visiting our libraries familiarise themselves with changes to the service, as well as following the guidance in place.

“As part of the phased reopening plans, the council plans to reopen remaining libraries, as well as extend opening hours and access, as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The History Centre, located on the first floor of Central Library, remains closed for the time being, while property improvements are carried out. For enquiries, please contact [email protected]

For more information about the reopening of libraries, opening times and the range of available services, please follow @BpoolLibraries on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also visit Blackpool Council’s libraries page at www.blackpool.gov.uk/Libraries