Keswick’s library is finally set to reopen next month after being closed since March when the nation went into coronavirus lockdown.
The well-used library in Heads Road had been left off a list of 12 “coronavirus safe” branches around Cumbria which all reopened on last Wednesday.
But now Cumbria County Council has assured its Keswick representative, Tony Lywood, that the library will welcome back readers in November on a date yet to be fixed.
“Keswick library as a resource for our community is crucial and the quicker it is open the better it is,” said Mr Lywood, who had raised the issue with Deborah Earl, the county council’s cabinet member for public health and local communities.
Cumbria’s six main libraries at Penrith, Workington, Kendal, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Barrow reopened in July.
The 12 selected branch libraries which reopened this week are at Ambleside, Wigton, Windermere, Maryport, Cleator Moor, Brampton, Longtown, Appleby, Grange, Ulverston, Millom and Roose.
“Keswick library is incredibly well used for a town of this size because of its demography of older people and it is extremely important to the local community,” said Mr Lywood.
“I have fought long and hard to ensure it is not left off the list, which it was last time,” he added.
A county council spokesman confirmed that Keswick library would be reopening, adding: “We just have to take a few at a time.”
Among the new services which will be available to fit in with coronavirus restrictions are “select and collect”, online story times session, and a drop/return service.
Hand sanitisers will be at the entrance and exit, with signage and floor markings to promote social distancing.
Visitors will also have to wear face masks and toilets will be closed.
Fines incurred during the closure will be waived until 31st December.
