More of the borough’s libraries and museums to reopen next month

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Library Service will reopen more of its libraries and museums across the borough during May.

From 4 May 2021 Barnton, Blacon, Great Boughton, Helsby, Little Sutton and Weaverham libraries will reopen on temporary hours for browsing and public computer access. 

Existing opening hours will continue at libraries that re-opened on 12 April.  It seems customers were happy to see libraries reopen as staff welcomed 8,293 visitors during the first week alone.

A temporary Order and Collect service also remains available from Ellesmere Port, Neston, Northwich, Storyhouse and Winsford Libraries.  Books in this service are selected from current stock at each library, so specific titles cannot be ordered. This service will be reviewed in the coming weeks.

From 10 May 2021 Hope Farm, Sandiway and Wharton Libraries will also reopen on temporary hours for browsing and public computer access.

West Cheshire Museums will be re-opening the week of 17 May.  The outdoor areas at Lion Salt Works and Stretton Watermill will be open the week of 3 May.  Please check www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk for more information.

The Council’s Director of Environment and Communities, Maria Byrne said: “I’m sure many residents will be pleased that as lockdown eases we are now able to reopen more of our libraries and museums. 

“When visiting please continue to follow current coronavirus guidance to help keep everyone safe.  All spaces are cleaned on a regular basis. Visitors are required to wear face coverings (unless exempt), register for Test and Trace at each site and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“In addition to these libraries reopening, our Home Library Service may also resume where volunteers are available and the Mobile Library is now offering a temporary weekly library service in Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin and Tattenhall.”

Free Covid-19 home testing kits for those without symptoms can be collected from Northwich, Neston and Frodsham libraries and the mobile library at Tarporley, Tattenhall, Malpas and Tarvin. The kits will be available for collection from Ellesmere Port library from 4 May.  For further information visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/incidents/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-testing/testing-without-symptoms.aspx

All current library loans have been extended until 17 May. Normal loan periods and charges will return after this date, but libraries are also now fine-free for the under 13s.  Children aged 0 to 12 years will no longer be charged for any overdue items and any pre-existing late charges will be removed from their accounts. Holds will be resumed at libraries, as they re-open.

For further information and details of library opening hours visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.