Libraries across Richmond will begin reopening next week with a click and collect service and a 72-hour 'quarantine' for returned books.

It comes after the government announced an easing of lockdown rules from Saturday, July 4, including the reopening of libraries, pubs and restaurants.

Readers will have to reserve their books online in advance and pick them up from selected libraries, including Hampton Hill Library, Richmond Lending Library, Teddington Library, Twickenham Library and Whitton Library, when they reopen from Monday, July 6.

Other libraries will be added at a later date as part of the phased reopening plan.

Users will be alerted when their reservation is ready to collect.

How will things be different?

Social distancing measures will be in place at the libraries and users may have to queue outside to collect their reservations.

All returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours before being put back on shelves, following official advice.

If you are unable to use the online reservation system, you can also phone the library service on 020 8734 3330 and staff will place your reservations for you.

When must books be returned?

All library resources that were on loan as the country entered lockdown have been extended and are not due back until September 1.

If you want to return books earlier, then you can do so via the usual library book drops.

Staff will be collecting and quarantining returned books at regular intervals but it may take a few days for dropbox returns to be checked in.

Sport and fitness centres remain closed and there is not yet an agreed timeline for reopening them.

Registration services for weddings will be starting again from Saturday, July 4, 2020, but there will still be restrictions.

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