All 36 libraries in West Sussex will reopen for browsing during the week beginning Monday 12 April. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you back.

Our aim is to continue to increase our services, whilst keeping our offer limited, in order to manage the safety measures required for both customers and staff. This includes making sure that everyone in the library has space to move around safely and that returned stock can be quarantined for 72 hours.

During this time, our Select and Collect offer will remain in place, so whether you wish to reserve specific items, or would like a member of staff to choose for you, your time in the library can be minimised.

Please check the current opening hours before making your journey - we will be updating them again on 12 April.

Libraries are included in the Government list of places where face coverings must be worn.

Your local library will also look a little different when you return, as we have put measures in place to support customers and staff. These include:

• continuing to return items at the library entrance
• asking you to sanitise your hands as you come into the building
• limiting the number of people in the library at any one time
• screens at service points
• furniture moved to create more space
• removing sale items such as cards and bags
• asking visitors to complete a Test and Trace form or to check in themselves using the NHS COVID-19 app

We want everyone to feel safe at their local library. Our Customer Charter describes in more detail what we have in place and what we need you to do to help. Check out the picture version for a quick summary.

We know that many of you have missed the library computers and may be pleased to know that libraries in West Sussex are now offering a limited pre-bookable IT service in all 36 locations.

These one hour sessions will need to be booked in advance, either by phoning or visiting your local library. To comply with social distancing guidance, fewer terminals than usual will be available. Our customer charter for Computer Use provides more information.

If you know someone who relies on library computers to get online, please let them know that IT is available again for limited use and to contact their local library to find out more.

As we are unable to provide close contact digital support in our libraries at this time, we will continue to offer Remote Digital Support for customers via our helpline. If you would like some basic digital support please phone 0330 222 3455, or email your name, phone number and a brief description of the help needed to library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk, and we will get in touch as soon as we can.

As we'll be encouraging you to keep your browsing time short and sweet for now, we have put together some useful hints and tips to help you make the most of the service.

Did you know, for example, that you can borrow up to twenty items on your library card at any one time?

Or that there are plenty of great websites you can browse for reading suggestions and, if you see a book you like the look of, you can reserve it for free online?

Our online information service is still available to help you with almost anything you need to know and so, to avoid lengthy enquiries in person, you can complete our Ask A Librarian form here.

Whether you are planning to browse the shelves or pick up a reservation, don’t forget to bring your library card!