Several libraries across the county reopened this morning in accordance with Phase 3 of the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. They include De Valera Library in, Ennis and those in Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon and Shannon.
Other libraries will be opening shortly once the necessary preparatory work has been completed with update on the Clare County Library website and social media pages.
Libraries will provide limited services initially, including limits on the numbers accessing the facility at any one time. Libraries will operate in compliance with current physical distancing guidelines and the public are encouraged to use hand sanitisers upon entry to library buildings.
Library visits will be of a maximum 15 minutes’ duration and services will include borrow and return of books, printing facilities, delivery service for those cocooning, online services and children’s services including the 2020 Summer Stars programme.
The contact and collect service will continue in the other branches and will commence in a number of part-time libraries.
Additional library services will also be available, including online e-resources such as books, newspapers, magazines, language and other training courses, and children’s resources including storytime and craft sessions online. Non-members can join online at www.clarelibrary.ie.
Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian, said: “We are delighted to open our doors again to welcome back the public as we know that we have been missed over the past number of months. We look forward to extending our services over the coming weeks.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.