Stockport’s historic Central Library is preparing to reopen, subject to the national easing of coronavirus restrictions which are planned for later this month.
The library has been closed since March last year, as despite the easing of restrictions, the nature of the historic building has meant it has been unable to create a Covid-safe environment for library users. Other libraries in the borough have been able to reopen, and temporary library services, including book borrowing and IT provision, have been offered from the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway; ebook and audiobook lending via online portals have also been available throughout the pandemic.
The Hub has proved to be extremely popular and will continue to operate as a cultural and community space once Central Library reopens.
Cllr David Sedgwick, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement at Stockport Council, said:
I’m pleased that we can start to implement our plans to get Central Library up and running again. I know that our library service has proved to be invaluable during lockdown and I thank you for bearing with us during the temporary closure.
“Once the government has confirmed details of the next stage of the roadmap, we will have a clearer picture on our reopening plans and will be able to update further.”
The government is expected to announce in the coming days whether full easing of restrictions in place to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic will go ahead as planned on the 21st June.
More information on Stockport Libraries, including opening times, can be found on the Stockport Council website.