Cumbria County Council are pleased to confirm that the county’s 6 main library buildings in Carlisle, Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington, Kendal and Barrow will reopen to the public on Monday 10 August.
To protect the health and safety of library staff and customers, libraries will have new Covid-secure measures in place and their opening times and offer will be slightly different.
To welcome customers back to much-loved library buildings, Library Hosts will be on hand to greet people on arrival and explain the new arrangements.
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “Our teams are working hard to reopen our six main libraries and I know just how much everyone has missed their local library.
“Things will be slightly different when we reopen as we need to be sure that we keep everyone safe, that includes our customers and staff.
“To reopen safely we need all sorts of new equipment such as protective screens, PPE, hand sanitiser points, new signage and additional staff training across our 6 buildings.
“Each library will be sharing their progress for reopening on Facebook so you can follow their build up to the 10th.”
Each library will have clear signage throughout to help people find their way around safely, and hand sanitisers will be located at entrance and exit points.
Not all of the usual activities will be available, but there will still be plenty of resources available for customers to enjoy.
For people who can’t wait, the county council’s library service offers fantastic online services which continue to attract more and more people. All library members can get free access to a whole host of online benefits, including access to eBooks, audio books, magazines and comics.
Join today at cumbria.gov.uk/libraries and find our libraries on Facebook to stay up to date with their reopening preparations.