BOOK-lovers are being welcomed back into North Yorkshire libraries this week.

Following the latest Government announcement, which puts North Yorkshire into Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions, the county council's library service has been given the go-ahead to reopen its buildings in a Covid-secure manner.

All libraries opened yesterday, but services may differ so residents are advised to contact their local library before visiting.

Customers are able to browse for and borrow books and use public computers. The select and collect book borrowing service and Home Library Service will also continue.

Changes have been made to the layout out of libraries and measures are in place such as restrictions on visitor numbers to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.

Face coverings must be worn and customers are asked to comply with test and trace requirements and limit their visit to 20 minutes so that everyone has a chance to browse.

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said: “We are delighted that the latest Government announcement enables our much-loved libraries to reopen their doors."

He said service changes have been made with the safety of customers, staff and volunteers as the main priority.