From this week (Monday 28 February), Newport’s libraries will return to the same opening hours that were in place before the pandemic began in March 2019.
Residents will also be able to book one of the public computers for up to a maximum of two hours. Books and other borrowed items will no longer be “quarantined” for 72 hours.
The changes reflect the lifting of Covid restrictions in Wales but, as the virus is still circulating in local communities, customers are asked to take precautions to protect other users.
It is requested that they follow the most current Welsh Government guidance in relation to wearing face coverings inside the building, social distancing and not to visit if they are unwell.
Councillor Debbie Harvey, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “These are the first steps to the libraries retuning to pre-Covid operations and our staff are looking forward to welcoming old and new customers.
“Our libraries have so much to offer – as well as a wide range of books for all ages, customers can access free use of public computers and research their family history.
“Since the pandemic began, all borrowed items have been automatically renewed every three weeks. This will end on 28 March and we urge people to return books they may still have or renew them at any of our sites or online.
“There will be a ‘fine amnesty’ until the beginning of July as we understand the ending of automatic renewals is a significant change after two years.
“We also recognise that some borrowed items may have been misplaced after such a considerable length of time so customers will have until 4 July to let us know of any lost items and they will be removed from their account.
“However, we would urge people to make every effort to find and return anything they have so they can be enjoyed by other customers as we return to a more normal life following the expected lifting of restrictions.”
