As you will be aware, the government has now confirmed that many COVID-secure restrictions will be lifted from today (19 July).  

At the beginning of July, all West Sussex Libraries returned to their full opening hours to give library customers maximum flexibility to visit at different times throughout the week and more opportunities for browsing, using computers and study space. Since we reopened, we've received many positive comments from our customers regarding how safe they have felt in our libraries.

From today, in line with the new government message to “continue to act carefully and remain cautious”, libraries will continue to have a number of safety measures in place to ensure the safety of our staff, customers, volunteers and those visiting the library building. We want everyone to feel safe in our libraries, particular those who are vulnerable.

For your safety and the safety of others we will continue to expect our customers to:

• Wear a face covering (unless exempt)
• Hand sanitise before entering the library and throughout your library visit  
• Provide details for Test and Trace or check in using the NHS COVID-19 app
• Limit close contact with others and give other library users and library staff ample personal space
• Follow instructions from staff, observe all directional signage
• Respect and be considerate of those who may wish to take a more cautious approach as restrictions are lifted

Please remember you must not come into the library if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or are identified as a contact and told to self-isolate by Test and Trace. Our Customer Charter describes in more detail the safety measures we have in place and what we would like you to do to help. Check out the picture version as well for a quick summary.

Computer sessions are available at all West Sussex Libraries and it is no longer necessary to pre-book. Please contact your local library with enquiries about using library computers, or get in touch with our Remote Digital Support team if you require some additional digital support.

Our Select and Collect service will also continue for customers who prefer to keep time in the library to a minimum and we will still offer an Essential Delivery Service for customers who are unable to get to the library.

Throughout the summer, we will pilot some of our regular activities in a number of libraries (in a COVID-safe way) and hope to reintroduce these properly in the autumn.

We would like to thank all our library customers for your patience and support at this difficult time and ask that you share this message with family and friends who are not online. We look forward to seeing you very soon and will continue to keep you up to date as things change over the next few weeks.