South Shields' The Word and other South Tyneside libraries confirm limited reopenings on April 12

A new chapter is set to start next week with all libraries in South Tyneside open in line with the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

During the recent national restrictions, the South Tyneside Council operated a limited service from libraries at The Word in South Shields, Jarrow Focus and, more recently, Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre.

The Word in South Shields is one of the libraries where services are returning

placeholder image — The Word in South Shields is one of the libraries where services are returning

Now, the library at Hebburn Central will also start welcoming back visitors from Monday April 12.

Library users will be able to return and collect pre-ordered books, reserve access to libraries’ public computers and enjoy time-limited browsing of selected shelves across all four sites – still on a strict appointment-only basis.

David Brooks, corporate lead for culture and leisure services, said: “We are delighted to be able to have all of our council library sites safely open once again as well as welcome people back to enjoy browsing our collections.

"However, there will still be measures in place to support the Government rules around Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air.”

He added: “It is really important that people pre-book their visit and don’t just turn up to enable us to control visitor numbers.”

Books can be dropped off at library entrances. However, book collections, time-limited computer use and browsing slots must be arranged in advance over the phone.

The Home Readers Library Service will continue to operate as normal.

To arrange a visit, call The Word on 0191) 427 1818; Cleadon Park Library on 0191 424 6194; Hebburn Central Library on 0191 424 7831 or Jarrow Focus Library on 0191 489 7786.

For further details about South Tyneside Libraries, go to www.southtyneside.gov.uk/libraries