The good news for Boro bookworms is that the service at community hubs and libraries will continue now that restrictions have begun to ease.
Part-time opening hours will remain in force to enable social distancing, with the range of services available set to grow as the government's roadmap out of lockdown progresses.
Monday will see the return of:
- Pre-booked and time-limited book browsingat Thorntree, Hemlington, Marton, Easterside and Acklam. Bookings can be made by phone or email to each venue and will be limited to 20 minutes
- Essential support and education/training servicesdelivered by the Council's partners at North Ormesby, Thorntree, Acklam, Easterside, Grove Hill, Newport and Hemlington
Middlesbrough Central Library and North Ormesby Community Hub will continue to offer a Click & Collect service only due to refurbishment work taking place, while library facilities at the Rainbow and Neptune leisure centres will re-open for Click & Collect only from Wednesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 15 respectively.
It is hoped to reintroduce socially distanced public computers and parent & toddler groups from next month subject to infection rates continuing to fall.
Councillor Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for Communities & Education, said: "Libraries have been a lockdown lifeline, and Click & Collect has proved hugely popular.
"It's great to see the service extending to other centres as we see the gradual easing of restrictions, so here's hoping it will be business as usual again before too long."
- For more information on library services currently available, visithttps://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/libraries email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01642 729001.
For the latest local updates and information, visit middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
For information on local help and support, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro
For advice for clinically extremely vulnerable residents call Middlesbrough Council's support line on 01642 729777
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
