Residents can visit libraries again from next week as life centres re-open

Bookworms will be able to indulge their love of literature once more and a range of other services will again be available for residents.

However, there will also be a range of new measures in place to keep visitors and staff safe.

Wigan and Leigh Life Centres and libraries will be open from July 27, operating between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Hygiene measures will be in place, some fixtures have been removed and the layouts have been reorganised.

There will also be a capacity limit in the life centres.

Any returned books, including those borrowed before lockdown, will also be quarantined for 72 hours before going back into circulation.

Coun Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities, said: “We understand how important our libraries are for many residents in the borough and that is why I am delighted to announce the first phase of libraries reopening.

“The safety of residents and staff remains the council’s number one priority and that is why we are starting with the reopening of the life centres initially and introducing a number of added safety measures to protect all those who use them.

“I'm grateful for people's patience and understanding during these unprecedented times."

The majority of the borough’s 13 community libraries are scheduled to reopen on September 14 to ensure that staffing levels will be back to normal.

Discussions are ongoing with Aspull and Hope volunteer-run libraries to decide when they will be able to open again.

Fines for unreturned books have been suspended and the eMagazine service is available for free online.

The Museum of Wigan Life will also reopen for limited hours from August 13.

The council's website and social media channels have more information about opening dates and times.