More Devon libraries reopen

Shushhh. And keep your distance.

More libraries across Devon have reopened after a four-month shutdown because of coronavirus.

Crediton, Dartmouth, Exmouth, Ilfracombe, Okehampton, Sidmouth, St Thomas, South Molton and Tavistock join existing libraries at Braunton, Brixham, Chudleigh and Honiton that are already stamping books. Libraries Unlimited’s Mobile Library and Home Library service have also resumed.

At the majority of the other libraries across Devon, a ‘Choose and Collect’ service is being offered where readers can select books or DVDs for collection from the library entrance at a pre-arranged time.  All lenders can access the digital library and download and stream free eBooks, eAudioBooks and eMagazines.

Since Braunton, Brixham, Chudleigh and Honiton reopened, a spokesman for Libraries Unlimited said that public access PCs have been in high demand and customers are travelling to the libraries. They added: “Customers are really pleased that libraries have reopened and customers of all ages are travelling to their local library – one person walked more than 1.5 hours each way, while books are in demand, as is a brief chat.

“Public access PCs are in high demand particularly those that have not have internet access during lockdown which demonstrates the wider role libraries play.”

Libraries will initially offer limited opening times and reduced services, and to keep everyone safe, safety signage has been installed throughout the libraries with two-metre social distancing measures, hand sanitisation stations and one-way systems to help the safe flow of customers through our libraries.

The number of customers at any one time in the library may be limited. People will need to wear face masks from Friday.