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Library services in Lincolnshire and Rutland resume




Library services across Lincolnshire and Rutland have resumed.

Oakham Library reopened to the public on Wednesday (December 2) following the end of the second national lockdown.

All Rutland libraries were closed after the Government announced that tighter Covid-19 restrictions would come into effect throughout England from November 5 to December 2.

Oakham Library (43395487)
Oakham Library (43395487)

Oakham Library will return to its pre-lockdown operating hours, opening on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm.

However branch libraries in Uppingham, Ketton and Ryhall as well as Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle will all remain closed, subject to further changes to Covid restrictions in England.

Staff who normally run these services have been redeployed to support the council’s wider pandemic response.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Rutland County Council, said: “We are pleased to be able to reintroduce a limited service at Oakham Library, following an end to the second national lockdown.

"Unfortunately while we remain on high alert in tier 2, it’s necessary to keep our branch libraries and other visitor attractions closed.

"We feel this is important to reduce the risk of virus transmission in Rutland and give ourselves the best possible chance of returning to tier 1 as soon as possible.”

Oakham Library is offering collections of pre-ordered books and DVDs, as well as a limited number of bookable slots for computer use. Rutland Library Service also offers a home delivery service for registered library users who cannot travel to the library.

More information can be found on www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries.

In Lincolnshire, core libraries have reopened but for click and collect or computer use only.

Readers are able to collect reserved books from libraries in Bourne and Stamford.

They will also be able to use pre-booked public access computers to access essential digital public services but there will be no browsing.

Coun Nick Worth, executive member for culture, says: "We know these services are a real lifeline to the community.

"We’ve seen during last month's lockdown, the book click and collect service works really well and that residents have continued to use the computers to access essential digital public services.

"Again, I would remind residents to call ahead before making a journey - just to check they are open, have your books ready or a timeslot available on the computers.

"To reassure residents, we're doing all we can to keep the facilities Covid-secure so there are many safety measures in place including hand sanitiser, asking visitors to use face coverings, remaining two metres apart, quarantining books for 72 hours and keeping space beside computers."

Those who currently have loans from hubs which remain closed will have them extended into January.

For more information, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/libraries.



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