Bookworms once again flocked to Rutherglen Library on Monday, nearly five months after lockdown forced its closure.
Also welcoming back visitors this week are libraries in East Kilbride, Hamilton and Lanark.
With safety of staff and visitors paramount, the team from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC) are working to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from the return to library use.
Measures in place to protect library users include: controlled numbers of visitors in the early stages; reception screens and PPE for staff; enhanced cleaning regimes; test and protect registers; sanitising stations; and compulsory wearing of face coverings by visitors.
During lockdown, SLLC continued to create and promote opportunities for the public to engage with library services in new and alternative ways.
David Booth, SLLC general manager, said: “Throughout the lockdown period, we have continued to deliver library services through our digital offer, enabling customers to enjoy free eBooks and eAudiobooks on ‘Borrowbox’, as well as free eNewspapers and eMagazines on the ‘PressReader’ and ‘RBDigital’ platforms.
“We have also expanded the library home delivery service to people who were shielding or self-isolating, and very recently introduced a pilot ‘Connect and Collect’ service for those without access to the internet.
“On top of that, we have made sure that anyone with books out on loan had their borrowing time automatically extended, fee-free for the duration. The ActiveIT learning centre service has also re-opened in Rutherglen Library, albeit with a reduced number of PCs available to ensure physical distancing.
Enhanced cleaning will take place in the centre and customers are asked to book by calling Rutherglen Library on 0141 643 1296.
In the initial stages, the library will be open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
If you’re not already a library member, and would like to join, you can do so online at www.slleisureculture.co.uk
