A CITY library is reopening for click and collect services after temporarily closing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Belmont Library will now be open on Tuesdays from 1 to 4pm and Saturdays from 10 to 1pm as part of Herefordshire Council's phased plans to reopen library services gradually in line with national guidance.

Hereford, Leominster, Ross, Ledbury and Kington libraries also currently offer a Click and Collect service for the collection of pre-ordered library books and the return of library items.

Customers cannot enter the library building but items can be collected and returned to the designated drop-off point during the advertised hours.

You can ask for up to 20 books from the click and collect categories offered. Library staff will select titles and email when your order is ready for collection. If you wish to order specific titles, you can do this by reserving items on the library catalogue. If you’re not already a library member, you can join online before completing your request.

Pre-ordered green sacks for garden waste may also be collected from the click and collect libraries. Customers must pre-order and pay for the sacks online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste and allow at least two working days before their visit. Only pre-ordered sacks are available to collect from libraries and they are not able to take payments.

Councillor Gemma Davies said: “Having piloted click and collect services successfully at our larger libraries we are delighted to be able to extend the service to more branches.

“So many customers have told us that the opportunity to use libraries in different ways has helped them during these difficult times by combating feelings of social isolation, supporting mental wellbeing and proving books to support their children’s reading and learning. I know how important Belmont Library is to the local community and the staff there can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the library again.”

The council is following national guidance for libraries to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Strict safety measures are in place for all services, including the quarantine of all returned items for 72 hours before being returned to stock.

Herefordshire Libraries also provides many library resources online including reference encyclopaedias and dictionaries, BorrowBox eBooks and eAudiobooks, Ancestry family history and PressReader newspaper and magazine service.

For further information about the council’s library Click and Collect services visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/libraries