Atherstone Library to reopen to customers on Monday

Customers will once again be able to visit and browse the shelves at Atherstone library as the county council reintroduces the 'Grab and Go' system from Monday 12 April.

Following confirmation from the UK Government that step two of the roadmap out of lockdown will proceed, Warwickshire County Council has confirmed the reintroduction of its Grab and Go service which will see all of its library buildings re-open, replacing the current Click and Collect service.

Customers will be given up to 30 minutes to browse, choose the library items they want to borrow and issue them, without the need to pre-book appointments.

Library staff will also be on hand to help customers with queries about joining the library or their existing library account.

The re-opening of library buildings has been subject to a thorough risk assessment process which puts customer and staff safety first.

Library customers will need to bring their library card with them so they can use the self-service machines and, to maintain customer safety, face coverings will be compulsory in line with the latest Government guidelines, except for those who are exempt. A hand sanitising station will be available on entry to the library to ensure good hygiene.

Access to newspapers and the scanning service will not be available, and there is no seating at this time to maintain a safe environment.

All Warwickshire libraries will be introducing a staff-operated photocopying service, normal charges apply; please ask staff for this service when you visit.

The number of people allowed inside the library at any one time will also be limited and customers' contact details will be recorded for NHS Test and Trace or if you prefer you can use the App and scan the QR code.

Rob Powell, Warwickshire County Council's Strategic Director for Resources said: "With the Government confirming step 2 of the roadmap can go ahead I am delighted we can now invite our customers back into all County Council libraries from 12 April.

"We know that our customers love to spend time browsing our library shelves, but for now we are asking that they 'Grab and Go', that is, make their book selections and check them out within a maximum of 30 minutes so we can make sure that everyone has equal and safe access to our libraries.

"Customers will still need to adhere to the guidelines, so we all stay safe. We need people to wear a face covering if they can, sanitise their hands on entry, social distance from other customers and follow any one-way systems that may be in place.

"Our digital library services, which have been extremely popular, are still available and those who are eligible can continue to receive our home delivery service.

"This is about making our library customers feel safe and able to access our services in whichever way they are most comfortable doing."

Customers will still be able to reserve items online, as before the Covid-19 pandemic, and will get an automatic notification when their books are ready to collect, which can be at any time during the library's opening hours.

Customers who already had books on loan when lockdown was announced have automatically had their return dates extended to 30 April 2021. Courtesy reminders will be emailed out soon but please return any books you have on loan during library opening hours, there are no fines or charges for any items issued from 24 March 2020 onwards.

All newly borrowed items will be issued for the standard three weeks and can be renewed online if not reserved by another customer.

All Warwickshire County Council libraries will continue to offer pre-bookable access to computers. Sessions are for 45 minutes and these can be booked in advance; online, by phone or email or in person.