Parliament has confirmed this afternoon how the new national restrictions will affect libraries: we now know that although library buildings will be closed for general use (including browsing), libraries can continue to offer some services.

From Thursday 5 November, you will be able to return and collect items at the door of our buildings at any time during advertised opening hours.

Reservations will be available for collection and we are ready to receive requests by phone or email for a selection of titles of your choice – see below for more information about our Select and Collect service.

Library staff will ensure that the system is COVID-secure. Please wear a face covering when you come to collect your items and remember to bring your library card.

Although you won't be able to come and browse your local library, all reservations remain free.

We realise that you may not know exactly what you want to borrow without browsing, or you may want a more general selection of books. Our expert staff can put together a selection for you to borrow - simply complete our online form or phone your local library.

Whether you make use of Select and Collect or you reserve items directly from the library catalogue, we’ll be in contact when your items are ready for collection from the library entrance.

If you're unable to collect because you're vulnerable, shielding or have caring responsibilities, we offer an Essential Delivery Service and can deliver items to you at a pre-arranged time.

And of course, you don't even need to leave your sofa to explore our excellent free eLibrary! Find everything you need to feed your reading habit on the library website.

Books and other items will continue to be issued for three weeks, so do try to check your account online and renew as needed. You can also use the library app. We will continue to send reminders for items that are due for return. 

We're not currently charging for overdue items; however, keeping your loans up to date and returning items requested by other customers would be appreciated, if possible.

You will be able to return items to any library during advertised opening hours. If you need to return your books outside of our temporary opening hours, we have large letter boxes available at the following libraries: Billingshurst, Bognor Regis, Crawley, East Grinstead, Goring, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Petworth, Southwick, Steyning and Witterings.

We will keep you updated with these email newsletters and you can also find information on our website, on social media and on printed notices at the front of library buildings.

Facebook: facebook.com/WestSussexLibraries

Twitter: @WSCCLibraries

We appreciate that a proportion of our customers are not online, so will rely on word-of-mouth to find out about changes to library services – please spread the message to friends, family and neighbours where possible.