Library customers asked to continue wearing face coverings

Library customers are being encouraged to continue wearing face coverings to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

The majority of Wolverhampton’s libraries are now open for controlled browsing, computer use and Select and Collect services, but with Covid-19 cases in the city increasing day by day, measures will remain in place to keep staff and customers safe.

These include perspex screens, bookings, a one-way system and hand sanitisers. Staff will continue to wear face coverings, with visitors urged to do likewise if they can.

Latest figures show there were 445 new cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people in Wolverhampton over the last seven days. That means 1,170 people in the city tested positive for the virus in that same period – though the true number of new cases will likely be higher.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, the library service will continue with the majority of its Covid-safe working practices to ensure our libraries can carry on playing their part in reducing the spread of the virus.

“These measures may be different to those people will experience in other venues; however, we believe that – at this time – they offer the appropriate level of precaution to ensure the safety of both our staff and customers.”

Central, Bilston, Finchfield, Pendeford, Penn, Tettenhall, Warstones and Wednesfield libraries are currently open for browsing and PC access.

To control numbers, people must book a 30-minute session in advance by calling 01902 552025. Customers need to be a member of the library service to book a session – people can join for free via www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries or by calling 01902 552025.

Meanwhile, the Select and Collect service, allowing library members to reserve books and other items and collect them at a pre-arranged time, is available from Central, Bilston, East Park, Finchfield, Low Hill, Pendeford, Penn, Spring Vale, Tettenhall, Warstones and Wednesfield libraries.

Library members can pre-order titles online at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries, by emailing libraries@wolverhampton.gov.uk or by calling 01902 552025.

Members can also continue to download bestselling eBooks and eAudiobooks for free via the BorrowBox library app on Apple or Android phones, tablets and computers.

Councillor Simkins added: “Customers are really enjoying being able to access our libraries once again, with eight branches open for browsing and PC use, and Select and Collect available from 12, and we will look to open up further as soon as we are able to do so."

It's free to join Wolverhampton's libraries – to find out more, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/libraries, call 01902 552025 or follow the library service on social media at www.facebook.com/wolveslibraries and www.twitter.com/wolveslibraries.