East Riding Libraries will reopen for browsing with new systems in place on Monday August 10

Each library has been working hard to put the systems in place to welcome customers back safely, supported by the government announcement that face coverings will be compulsory in libraries by that time.

Those wishing to browse books will be allocated a limited time in the library, and may have to queue based on the number of customers in the building, which will vary from site to site based on size. All customers will be asked for test and trace details upon entering, and required to wear a face covering, sanitize hands and adhere to social distancing rules. For full safety guidelines, please visit https://eastridingculture.co.uk/coronavirusMany customers have missed being able to view the range of books and the displays put together by the teams of library staff:

Library customer Helena said: “I love going in and just browsing; I come in once a week normally. I’ve really missed seeing the displays and hearing about books that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about.”

“It’s a good way of getting books without having to pay; lots of people have been buying books during lockdown and now we can borrow them free again.”

Customers will still drop off books into the sacks at the entrance of the library, as opposed to using the self-service machines, to ensure that all books continue to be quarantined for 72 hours, then cleaned before being placed back on the shelves.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for Coastal Regeneration and Tourism, including culture and leisure, said: “I am very pleased that we are about to reopen our libraries for browsing - our teams are delighted to be back, and are happy to help with reading inspiration. We know that browsing will be especially welcome to those with younger children who rely on brightly coloured pictures to bring stories to life.”

For those customers who prefer to continue ordering books through the online catalogue, this will still be available by visiting https://www.library.eastriding.gov.uk and logging in to your library account. Easy Riding Libraries teams have put together lots of suggestions and collections in the ‘Read’ area of the catalogue. There are also thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks, also free to download with your library card.