FLINTSHIRE libraries have reopened their doors following the latest Welsh Government review of coronavirus rules.

From Monday, March 29, Aura Libraries announced their facilities will be open once again for browsing and computer access.

Kate Leonard, libraries development manager, shared her excitement on behalf of Aura Leisure and Libraries.

She said: “From Monday, March 29, the community will be able to visit our libraries, browse our collections and can talk to our team about booking a computer slot at their local library.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome back our library members and can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Libraries were given the green light to welcome people back following the latest Welsh Government review on coronavirus restrictions.

They joined self-contained holiday accommodation and historic venues that were allowed to reopen their doors. This also came with the dropping of the stay local rule.

What do I need to know about visiting libraries now?

Aura Libraries have issued some guidance of what people can expect as libraries reopen under COVID secure measures.

A spokesman for Aura said that, following Public Health Wales guidance on reducing the risk of cross contamination, staff will place all books in a 72-hour quarantine on return and prior to distribution.

When visiting the library people should also be aware that they must adhere to social distancing measures, wear a face covering [unless medically exempt] and make use of the hand sanitization facilities.

The spokesman added: “To keep you and our colleagues safe we are limiting the number of people in the building at any one time and will require you to provide contact details for the Track and Trace system.”

What services are on offer?

Computers will be available to book by phoning the library.

You can get in touch with your local library using the following numbers:

• Broughton Library: 01352 703760

• Buckley Library: 01352 703860

• Connah’s Quay Library: 01352 703730

• Flint Library: 01352 703737

• Holywell Library: 01352 703850

• Mold Library: 01352 703780

The libraries will continue to provide Select and Collect service to customers.

Aura Library members can ‘Select and Collect’ books online, by telephone (01352 703750) or by email (libraries@aura.wales).

You can browse the online catalogue at www.aura.wales/flintshire-library-catalogue/ and place a hold on items to collect from your local library counter after providing your library membership number, a contact telephone number and email address, your book requests/preferences, and your preferred collection point..

Loans will be for the usual three-week period, however we will automatically renew items if they are not returned after three weeks.

Aura have reassured library users that no fines will be placed. They do however encourage readers to return items as soon as you can so that they may be re-issued to another borrower.

The home delivery service will continue to visit customers as normal and the Aura Mobile Library will also start to resume its schedule and visit routes around the county once again.

Aura will be posting updates and information regarding their services and the online monthly events they host, including Zoom reading groups for adults and children.

They can be found on Facebook (@LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries), Instagram (@llyfrgelloeddauralibraries) and Twitter (@LibFlintshire).