ST HELENS Library will reopen for essential computer access and a click and collect book service from Monday, March 8.

Based in the World of Glass Museum, St Helens Library - which opened in September 2020 - joins Chester Lane Library in offering IT support, available to book by appointment for up to 45 minutes at a time during opening hours to assist with essential tasks such as study, access to benefits, searches for work and training opportunities.

For library members wanting to borrow books, a click and collect service will also be available at this site.

View the catalogue here: https://sthlibrarieswp.koha-ptfs.co.uk/

To accommodate housebound residents, places are still available on the Home Delivery Library Service which allows members to enjoy up to 20 books or audio books delivered direct to the home once a month.

Meanwhile, digital content including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-comics are available to access 24/7 using a library card by visiting https://sthlibrarieswp.koha-ptfs.co.uk/

Councillor Anthony Burns, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: “During the first national lockdown in March, and ever since, our Library Service has stepped up to the mark to cater for the needs of residents.

“It was my pleasure to update colleagues on the Place Services Scrutiny Committee recently on the fantastic work our Library Service staff have carried out since the start of this pandemic, we have introduced a home delivery service for vulnerable people; contacting residents who are shielding and isolated residents to make sure they’re okay and have everything they need - and working on Covid-19 track and trace, as well as the testing programme.

“I’d like to thank Library Service users for their cooperation during these turbulent times and would encourage them to continue to show the fantastic support they have shown by taking up these alternative offers until it is safe for us to welcome them back.”

All items currently on loan are renewed until 1st April. Any library items currently out on loan can be returned to Chester Lane, Eccleston, Newton-le-Willows, Parr, St Helens, Haydock, Rainhill and Thatto Heath libraries. Fines for overdue items have been removed.

Computer booking details:

• Chester Lane Library - call 01744 677081 or email chesterlanelibrary@sthelens.gov.uk

• St Helens – call 01744 676954 or email sthelenslibrary@sthelens.ghttps://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/VWuYCwVNNcKjlAyh8auNC