Browsing resumes at Wisbech Library
Covid safety measures will be in place
Book lovers will be able to browse titles in Wisbech Library from today (7 December), as part of service changes following the end of lockdown.
With Cambridgeshire being confirmed in Tier Two of the national system, 'managed browsing' will get under way at libraries across the county, allowing customers to come into library buildings and choose their own books.
No appointments are necessary, but customers will still need appointments to use IT facilities.
Since re-opening, all libraries have been regularly risk assessed and implemented health and safety measures in line with national guidance. To allow for managed browsing to take place, safety measures will now be enhanced with the following conditions:
A limit on the number of people coming into each building with a maximum allowed in at any given time.
Layout changes inside buildings to discourage lingering.
Self service will be the main method of issuing books.
Perspex screens have been installed to ensure safe staff/customer interactions.
Sanitiser stations will be located in all libraries.
Mask wearing is mandatory for all customers and social distancing measures will remain in place.
Managed browsing will be in addition to the current service offer, with customers still welcome to use the 'Select and Collect' system.
Mobile Libraries are also running their usual timetable.
Councillor Steve Criswell, Chair of the Communities and Partnerships Committee, said:
"Our libraries team have done a fantastic job since re-opening, ensuring all our buildings are Covid safe spaces. With the county in Tier 2 we can now offer managed browsing, but clearly things can't return to pre Covid service levels just yet. So we would urge everyone to adhere to the safety measures in place as we continue to work towards resuming the service.
"Many people have told us how much they value their local library during the pandemic. We are fully committed to providing as full a service as possible and will continually review the situation."
Public access IT facilities are available by appointment only, with a limit of one 45 minute appointment per day per customers.
To order a book using Select and Collect visit here or call the Customer Service Centre on 0345 045 5225. Customers will be notified when their books are ready to collect.
More information on library services can be found here.