SALISBURY Library will be reopening its doors to public on Tuesday (August 4).

It will be the first time it has opened its doors to public since March 20.

People will be able to browse for a certain amount of time, select and loan books and use the computers.

Opening hours will be: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

READ: Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre to reopen>>>

This comes after a recent public consultation by Wiltshire Council on reopening some library services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 7,000 people took part the consultation.

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, the council's cabinet member for libraries, said: “We thank the thousands of people for taking time out to respond to our consultation, which shows huge and passionate support for our libraries. It was clear that people wanted some libraries to reopen so we’re working hard to get three of our biggest ones ready and safe for people to visit.

“We are making a careful phased return of some services during the pandemic and that’s to ensure the safety of our staff and the public, while making the best use of our current resources and finances. We’ll have more details soon on the other services and libraries returning, but in the meantime, we’re looking forward to welcoming people back and seeing some of our libraries once again become a focal point in their local communities.”

• Loan items continue to be renewed automatically, currently to the end of September

• People can attend the library and browse for up to 30 minutes

• People are advised not pick up and put back lots of books

• Social distancing measures will be in place, with clear signage

• Hand sanitiser will be available

• Depending on how many people are using the library, people may have to queue outside upon arrival

• Computers in the libraries can be used for 45 minutes, but people must book them in advance. They can be booked by phoning the relevant library during their opening hours

• People should bring their library cards

• Returned books will be stored for 72 hours before being put back on shelves

• Screens will be in place at the main customer service desk

• People will be asked to provide contact details as part of the Covid-19 test and trace system

The following will not be available at Salisbury library for the time being:

• Toilet facilities

• Group activities such as book clubs and rhyme time sessions

• Newspapers and magazines

• Reservation service

The online library content will continue. So far, the council says, there has been more than 100,000 views of library videos, such as rhyme and story time, since March.

The libraries in Trowbridge and Chippenham will also be reopening next week.

For more details go to wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-home