LIBRARY users in North Yorkshire will be able to start browsing again from next week.

People visiting libraries managed by North Yorkshire County Council will be able to browse for their own books from Monday.

The move is the latest in the phased return of the county’s library services, which so far this month has seen the launch of a select and collect book borrowing service and the return of access to public computers in libraries and the restart of the Home Library Service.

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 and will also be asked to sanitise their hands on entry.

Because of the restriction, people will not be able to sit to read newspapers, conduct research or to study.

Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said: “We have been taking a cautious approach to reopening libraries, with the safety of customers, staff and volunteers at the forefront of our minds."

“We have made changes to the layout of libraries and put in measures to ensure that it is safe for people to return. It isn’t the full service that people know and love, but this is the next step towards that. Our customers have told us they are really keen to be able to browse the shelves again and we are very much looking forward to welcoming them back into our buildings.

“We particularly look forward to seeing some of our younger readers. With the popular Summer Reading Challenge running online this year, we have been worried that children haven’t been able to get hold of the books they want to read for the challenge. As well as being a lot of fun, reading is so important to wellbeing, develops imagination and has educational benefits, too. We are sure that children and families will welcome the chance to get their hands on some new books.”

Since the launch of the select and collect service on 6 July, more than 12,000 books have been issued, and since the reintroduction of computer sessions on 13 July, more than 550 bookings have been taken.

Libraries have been asked by the Government to collect data for the NHS Test and Trace programme. Although this is voluntary, customers and visitors are encouraged to share their details to support Test and Trace. The information shared will be used only where necessary to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

From Saturday, 25 July, the mobile library will resume services to more rural areas of the county. Limited space on the vehicle means that it can offer only a select and collect service at the moment and the timetable has been changed temporarily. Details of stops and times, as well as how to order books for select and collect, can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/CovidLibraries, where people can also find all details and updates about library services. Alternatively, people can call their local library or the library helpline on 01609 533878.