A HANDFUL of libraries finally opened their doors this week following a four-month closure, as St Helens continues to awake from its slumber.

Eccleston, Parr and Chester Lane libraries opened on Monday as part of a phased return, with more than 400 people attending on the first day alone.

Those who were welcomed back may have had a little shock, however, as the library service they know has changed somewhat in light of the pandemic.

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Before entering the library, visitors are asked to sanitise their hands and then register their details as part of the NHS Track and Trace system.

When they get inside the building, things will look noticeably more spacious,  as tables and chairs have been removed to facilitate social distancing.

St Helens Star: Lots of changes have been made to the borough's libraries to facilitate social distancing Lots of changes have been made to the borough's libraries to facilitate social distancing

Some libraries, such as Eccleston, will also see service users leave through the back door.

Posters detailing some of the safety measures are also pinned throughout the buildings.

It is certainly a different experience, albeit necessary one given the times we are in.

“It’s been quite challenging but I’m quite proud of the library service, and the sector generally has responded really quickly and really well,” said Kathryn Boothroyd, St Helens Borough Council’s library services manager.

Ms Boothroyd has been working with Libraries Connected, the national umbrella organisation for library services, to help produce guidance to facilitate a safe reopening of libraries, many of which have continued to offer a number of services throughout the pandemic.

“I was part of a small group of heads of service that met every week to look at how we could make a return to opening our doors and how we could do that safely,” she explained.

“And we’ve applied some of that knowledge and some of the expertise when we’ve looked at our libraries here in St Helens.”

St Helens Star: Kathryn Boothroyd, St Helens Borough Council’s library services manager, in Eccleston Library Kathryn Boothroyd, St Helens Borough Council’s library services manager, in Eccleston Library

Ms Boothroyd said the library service has done a lot of work with staff, health and safety teams and unions in preparation for the reopening.

She said everybody is satisfied that it has put the correct measures in place, adding that they are “confident” the service can operate safely.

As per Government guidelines, all retuned items are being quarantined for 72 hours and then being cleaned by staff before they go back on the shelves.

One measure that’s been brought in, mainly to protect staff but also for service users, is a protective screen at all of the counters.

St Helens Star: Protective screens have been put up at the counters to protect staff and members of the publicProtective screens have been put up at the counters to protect staff and members of the public

New Government guidance announced this week also means masks and coverings must be worn when visiting libraries, from Saturday, August 8.

While face masks or coverings are not currently compulsary, staff would prefer that members of the public wear one if possible.

Ms Boothroyd said: “It’s not mandatory in a library, unlike a shop, but if you can wear a mask please do so because that does protect other users and our library staff as well.

“The libraries look a little bit different because we’ve taken away things like chairs and comfy seating, because in this first phase after reopening, we want people to come in, choose their items and then leave so there’s space for other people to come in.

“We’ve tried to open up our spaces and make as much distance between bookshelves so we can adhere to social distancing.

“When people first come in it looks a little bit strange, but people soon get used to that.”

Ms Boothroyd said so far, feedback from the public has been positive.

Newton-le-Willows library is currently undergoing maintenance work and will open on Thursday, August 6.

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St Helens Archive is also open, and bookings for the search room can be made Monday to Wednesday between 10am and 2pm.

Other libraries will remain closed for the time being, although the council says these will be under continual review over the next few weeks.

Library customers can also access 24/7 digital services, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics, using their library card.