Libraries across North Somerset will start to re-open next week.
North Somerset Council will begin a phased opening of its library services across the district from July 6.
Council chiefs say a gradual opening is needed to ensure the safety of staff, customers and volunteers is a priority at all times.
Libraries teams are working on what will be offered at each site and will reveal information on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries from Monday, July 6.
During lockdown book lovers have had to rely on a digital library service.
However those visiting libraries are being warned services will look a lot different post lockdown.
North Somerset Council’s executive nember for libraries Caritas Charles said: “Alongside libraries across England our services are unlikely to be same as before lockdown and buildings will look and feel quite different.
“We are focusing on opening services which will help address inequalities caused or amplified by the lockdown, such as people being unable to access the Internet.
"The most important part of our plan is keeping everyone who uses our libraries, including the staff and volunteers, as safe as possible.
“During lockdown our libraries team have done a fantastic job of extending the digital services it has on offer.
“This includes e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and even our popular rhymetime sessions.”
Plans for opening week include a contact-free click and collect service at most sites, and as long as government guidance and the local situation allows, more services will be added in the following weeks.
For full details about what the library service will be offering, including the mobile library service, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk, where opening times and services will be available on Monday 6 July and will be updated as the reopening continues.
Online services can also be accessed anytime at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/onlinelibrary.
Other council run services, including the authority’s leisure centres, remain closed a the current time under Government guidelines.
