Bath and North East Somerset’s libraries will offer Covid-safe browsing again from Monday 12th April, with the mobile library also resuming a limited service.

Following the easing of Government restrictions residents will be able to browse the resources available at Midsomer Norton, Bath and Keynsham libraries. The libraries will continue to operate their collection service from 10 am – 4 pm weekdays, with residents able to borrow up to twenty books at a time.

To protect public health and enable social distancing, the number of people entering a library at any one time will be limited, and a drop box will be available at the entrance to each library.

The mobile library will also resume following an amended route, to provide a safe service to help isolated people access new reading material they might not have enjoyed since lockdown. It will offer a reduced timetable in the mornings with most stops limited to 30 minutes. A ‘grab and go’ offer of pre-selected books will be available, as well as a reservation collection service.

The mobile library timetable will be available to view on Friday, 9th April at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/mobile-library-service

To prevent the spread of coronavirus, customers will not be able to board the library or browse.

Mandy Bishop, Chief Operating Officer, said: “I’m delighted residents will once again be able to browse the fantastic range of books and other resources our libraries have to offer.

“I’m particularly pleased that we are able to bring our mobile library back into service, as it’s a highly valued resource for residents who live in isolated communities, many of whom have waited a long time to access new things to read.

“To keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of Covid-19, visiting our libraries will be a different experience for the time being. We ask all our customers to follow social distancing rules and please be patient if you have to wait in a queue.”

The public computers at Midsomer Norton Library, Bath Central Library and Keynsham Library will be available for residents again, on a first come first serve basis for a maximum of a 30 minute session. The self-study areas remain closed in all libraries.

Library staff will be able to signpost residents to Council services and other support services if needed.

Community-run libraries will have different opening arrangements. For more information about community libraries, visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/find-library-or-one-stop-shop

You can find out more about Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries and information services at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/library-and-information-services