LIBRARIES across North Yorkshire are reopening more outlets and services with measures in place to keep safety at the forefront.

Customers can visit, browse for and borrow books in many libraries, and most are offering access to computers, which allow for two-metre social distancing and are cleaned between each use.

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said: “Some customers thought browsing meant look but not touch, but this isn’t the case. “So we apologise for any confusion. You can now enjoy selecting books to borrow.

"Many of you have visited, but we know others have not yet done so, so why not put on your face covering, use our hand sanitiser and venture in to see for yourself how safe we have made it for you.”

Numbers allowed into buildings at any one time will be restricted to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.

Customers will be asked to limit their visit to 20 minutes so that everyone has a chance to browse during what are still limited opening hours.

The library service is continuing to provide a Select and Collect service, which enables customers to phone or email their library to request what books they would like, before picking them up.

Full details can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/CovidLibraries.