The borough’s four central libraries reopen their doors to customers wanting to browse the bookshelves as the council continues to remobilise its library services.
Residents have been able to access the online library throughout the pandemic and, from August last year, order and collect books selected by a member of library staff.
From Tuesday 25 May readers can return to Wirral Libraries, and browse the selection of books available in person.
Bebington Central, Birkenhead Central, Wallasey Central and West Kirby will all open their doors from 25 May for visitors wanting to look for, and select, their own books.
To join the library and become a member, residents can visit one of the open buildings (at Bebington or Birkenhead, Wallasey or West Kirby) or visit the council’s website at any time.
Things will look slightly different at each of the sites as the layout of the libraries has been changed to comply with government guidelines, but staff will be on hand to help with any queries.
As restrictions ease, and Wirral Libraries have added more services to the library offer and other businesses reopen, please remember to be patient, kind and safe.
Be patient – buildings have been made COVID-19 secure and whilst visitors will not need to book ahead, the number of people in the building will be limited so visitors might have to queue should the library get busy.
Be kind – as restrictions ease, residents might feel more comfortable moving at a slower pace so customers are reminded to be considerate to library staff and other visitors. All visits should be kept short to ensure everyone that want to access the library, can.
Be safe – to help protect staff, and other people in the library, visitors are reminded to bring their own bag, sanitise hands when entering and leaving the building, maintain social distancing and wear a face covering, unless exempt.
NHS Test and Trace information will be collected at all four sites in line with government guidance. Posters will be displayed at the entrances of the buildings with the QR code for visitors to use with the NHS mobile app or details can be taken by a member of staff. Further details about how this data is handled can be found at www.covid19.nhs.uk 
. When visiting a library, residents are asked to bring their own pen or pencil to complete this information.
All children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.
Residents are encouraged to use the self-serve kiosks to borrow any books and use the cleaning materials provided both, before and after, using the kiosk.
All four libraries will continue to provide the Order and Collect service and, for residents who prefer to continue using this service, orders can be placed by visiting www.wirral.gov.uk/collect
Residents can also continue to access the online offer for eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines , art collections, encyclopaedia or other services such as Find My Past.
Image credit: www.birkenhead2020.com
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