LIMITED library services will be available during a second nationwide lockdown, East Sussex County Council has confirmed.

The latest restrictions, designed to slow the spread of Covid-19, will mean that all 17 of the county’s library buildings will be closed for general use from Thursday, November 5.

However, from Monday, November 9, customers will be able to order books from the library catalogue via the website or by calling the team and pick them up from the front entrance of their local library.

Those needing to use library computers to access essential services such as universal credit and internet banking, will be able to do so from Monday by pre booking a session on 0345 60 80 196.

Customers can continue to access a wide range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers and eMagazines, as well as information through East Sussex’s eLibrary.

The Home Library Service, which has continued to provide books to those who are particularly vulnerable throughout the pandemic, will also remain in operation.

Nick Skelton, East Sussex County Council’s Assistant Director for Communities, said: “Whilst we appreciate how disappointing further temporary reductions to our library services are, it’s vital that we do everything we can to slow the spread of Covid-19, keep our vulnerable residents safe and protect the NHS.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to offer some key services and have put in place measures to ensure that residents and staff are kept as safe as possible.”

From Monday, all 17 libraries will continue to operate limited services within the current reduced opening hours and services will be kept under constant review to ensure they are being delivered in the safest way possible.

More information about library services, opening hour and restrictions, is available online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries or by calling 0345 60 80 196.

The East Sussex County Council eLibrary is available at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/online

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