LIBRARIES across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being readied to reopen in a phased approach starting next week.

Poole and Christchurch libraries will reopen on Monday July 6, with Bournemouth and Kinson libraries opening their doors on Tuesday 7 July 2020, with new socially distanced layout and services in line with public health guidance.

The four largest libraries will initially provide book loans and quick choice browsing, with all stock will go into 72 hours quarantine on return.

Customers can also use the libraries’ new ‘Order & Collect’ service where members of the public can email or phone in requests for favourite genres or authors and staff will pick and pack a selection for pick up from the library.

Councillor Lewis Allison, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, said: “I’m pleased that we are able to start reopening our library buildings for local residents to use.

“We’ve carefully considered how we will ensure the safety of visitors and staff and that is why we are taking a cautious approach and will open the larger libraries first followed by further sites so that local people can access services as close to them as possible.

“The range of services, library layout, and opening times have been temporarily revised to comply with public health guidance; but we will be taking a flexible and phased approach to bring all libraries and services back to full operation as soon as it is safe and manageable to do so.”

PCs can also be used with social distancing and cleaning between each use.

During the period of temporary closure, BCP Council's library service has expanded their online digital service, providing e-books, e-audio and online newspapers, as well as cultural and family activities on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

There are plans for four further libraries at Boscombe, Broadstone, Castlepoint and Canford Heath to reopen in July, with the rest of the libraries expected to open during August subject to review and government guidance.

Further information can be found at: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries.