LIBRARIES in Ryedale are beginning to reopen their doors from next Monday, July 6.

To begin with visits will be by appointment only. Customers will be able to use a free select and collect service at Malton and Pickering, by phoning or emailing the library.

Staff will hand-pick a selection that meets the customer’s request, then contact the customer to arrange collection from the library entrance. As usual, books can be borrowed for up to three weeks.

Customers can also use a new “library takeaway” service, which offers specially selected book bundles to borrow.

The aim will then be to open further services over the following weeks.

Most community-managed libraries will follow suit, but some will take a slightly different approach, so users are advised to check at northyorks.gov.uk/CovidLibraries or phone 01609 533878.

County Cllr Greg White, executive member for Libraries, said: “Our staff and volunteers are eager to welcome people back, but the safety of our customers must always come first.

"This is why we are taking things gradually. Staff and volunteers are all working hard behind the scenes to open the doors fully and safely and we will announce our next steps soon.

“All libraries are different, with a wide range of buildings and individual challenges to overcome, so we ask customers to be patient while we get our libraries back up and running fully.”

He added: “Anyone who has items on loan from before lockdown does not need to hurry to return them.

“The loan period has been extended to September 1, so no fines are accruing.”