LIBRARIES will begin to be reopened across the borough next week - as revealed by the Bury Times several weeks ago.

And council bosses have confirmed any fines owed on books borrowed before the lockdown are being waived.

Bury Library will be operating a click and collect service, in common with other areas which have already relaunched services, with slots being given when orders are placed.

Books can be ordered online from Tuesday or by phone - with the doors open on Thursday for the physical return and collection of titles.

New temporary opening times of 1pm to 4pm, Tuesdays to Fridays, have been announced, with a collection area being established for books.

No public computers will be on offer for the time being though, unlike other boroughs.

Face masks will also be compulsory for library visits.

Plans are in place then for Prestwich, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom libraries to reopen on a phased basis, with the home library service and archives also gradually coming back online.

People can call the click and collect service from Tuesday on 0161 253 5872, between 10am and noon, and between 1pm and 4pm.

Place an online order athttps://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15271 - but please note, this will not be live until Tuesday morning at 10am.

Online services are still available for customers who are unable, or do not wish, to visit a library: see https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=15336

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Thousands of library members across the borough will be delighted that we are now starting to reopen branches and they will be able to borrow books in hard copy once more.

"We know people have missed them, but we had to make sure that all the safety measures were in place before allowing the public back in.

"I want to say a huge thanks to our library staff, many of whom have been working with our community hubs during the lockdown to ensure our most vulnerable people received food, medication and support.

“And don’t worry about bringing back the books you borrowed before the lockdown – we’ve waived any fines.”