Bromley libraries to begin to open from July 6

By Lachlan Leeming, Local Democracy Reporter

Libraries across Bromley are set to reopen next month with new social distancing measures installed, in a further step towards a return to normality, the authority has confirmed.

Bromley council confirmed six libraries are set to reopen with limited hours on July 6.

According to the authority, each library was carefully assessed to judge its suitability for reopening, with criteria including the size of the building and the ease at which social distancing measures could be implemented.

New features introduced will include arrangements for returned books to be stored separately for 72 hours, a new cleaning regime and physical measures such as screens and signs.

“Library users will welcome the news and we thank them in advance for their support and understanding as they return to the library,” Peter Morgan, Bromley’s executive councillor for renewal, recreation and housing, said.

“We are working with (operators) GLL on making physical changes to buildings and putting new procedures in place which have required careful planning to protect both staff and our customers.

“If your local library is not yet open, it soon will be and of course, library members can access all our libraries, including our online library without walls, which I am pleased to confirm is remaining open and is a welcome addition to the library service”.

Beckenham library, Chislehurst library, Penge library, Orpington library, St Paul’s Cray library and West Wickham library will open from July 6, Monday to Saturday, from 10am-2pm.

They will offer services including public computers and printers as well as book borrowing.

The authority said it anticipated re-opening the borough’s remaining libraries from July 27 if the first round of recommencements was successful.