Seven of the main libraries in Richmond borough reopen today.

In addition to offering click and collect, from Monday April, 12 the seven libraries will be offering a limited 15-minute browsing and borrowing service.

This includes:

• Richmond Lending Library
• Castelnau Library (closed Thursdays)
• Ham Library (closed Thursdays)
• Hampton Library
• Hampton Hill Library
• Twickenham Library
• Whitton Library

Due to the Sheen Lane Centre also operating as a rapid flow Covid-19 testing centre, browsing will not be available at East Sheen Library, but click and collect will continue to be provided.

Face coverings must be worn inside libraries and social distancing measures will be in place.

In line with guidance, all returned books are being quarantined for 72 hours before being put back on shelves.

There are also a number of public computers that will be available at eight local libraries. These will need to be booked in advance by calling 20 8734 3308.

Unfortunately, Kew and Hampton Wick Library are unable to reopen today as their size means the buildings cannot support social distancing.

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Teddington Library is closed until early May for essential repairs to the heritage glass roof.

Cheney Gardner is acting head of libraries for Richmond Council.

She said: "We're very much looking forward to welcoming our readers and users back.

"Our libraries will have new ways of working. This will allow us to ensure a number of safety measures, for example frequent cleaning, stock quarantining and hand sanitising stations.

"Meanwhile, our digital library is always open and your Richmond Card / Library Card gets you access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers and eMusic."