LIBRARIES in Bolton are set to reopen on Monday as part of the 'road map' out of lockdown.

Click and collect and home delivery services will continue, council officials have also said.

Libraries will return to normal opening hours except for the central library, which will open at the later time of 9am

Covid safety precautions including floor markings and hand sanitiser will be in place at the venues.

Westhoughton Library remains temporarily closed for essential maintenance.

The museum and the aquarium will re-open to the public from Monday, May 17.

Online story times and virtual tours of the museum are just two offerings pioneered by staff during the pandemic.

A council spokesman said: “Libraries play an important role in our communities and have kept people entertained, amused and distracted during lockdown. Reading can also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

“The libraries and museum staff are a fantastic example of a team who will always think on their feet to respond to the next challenge to ensure they can provide a service to residents.

“The staff look forward to welcoming residents back to the libraries once they re-open the doors.”

Children were also asked to record their lockdown diaries, and these have been kept in the archives as a record.