CHIEF TELLS TOWN LENDERS TO 'STAY AT HOME' AND NOT RISK BRINGING THEM BACK IN CRISIS

BOOK lovers in Atherstone have been handed a fines-free 'Ayub bonus' and told it would definitely "not be nice to see you" turning up at the town's library during the coronavirus crisis.

Libraries chief Ayub Khan is giving service lenders an early Easter gift of not having to worry about their usual worst fear – forgetting to take back an overdue book.

The Long Street information centre has been closed since March 23 due to the coronavirus outbreak and thousands might ordinarily have needed to be returned.

But a spokesman for Atherstone library told Nub News any books out on loan can be kept at home with no fines being imposed at any point for the" duration of the current lockdown period".

Even if there is a need to renew your books online, they will remain on loan to the borrower.

Mr Khan, head of libraries and face to face front-line services at Warwickshire County Council said: "It is really important that library customers do not try to take books back to the library during this time.

"The building does not have a book return box or letterbox and returning books is unnecessary travel that will increase the risk of spreading the virus.

"We really want our readers to stay safe and not to worry about the books they have borrowed from us.

"Please share this information with your friends and families, particularly anyone vulnerable who is isolating for 12 weeks, and reassure them that they will not be fined for any overdue books."

During the lockdown, a number of online services are on offer for residents, including information resources, reading-related activities and e-books and audio book loans.

Last week Nub News revealed online library memberships have soared as Atherstone and its communities turn to a good book and relaxing music to "lift the spirits" during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Avid bookworms across the town and surrounding villages are opting for drama to help turn their minds away from the pandemic crisis.