THREE Bradford libraries are now open for bookings to meet people’s essential computing needs.

This service will be available at City Library, Keighley Library and Shipley Library.

In addition, the Local Studies service in Bradford and Keighley will be offering the opportunity for people to access local collections for study and research by appointment.

Most of Bradford’s libraries are now open for an ‘Order and Collect’ lending service. This service allows customers to order their books by reserving items from the online catalogue as well as by email or telephone. Customers can then collect their book orders from libraries at an agreed time slot. Books can now be returned at any time during library opening hours without booking a slot.

Over recent months fines for overdue books have been waived and customers are now urged to return or renew their books before late fees are reintroduced at the end of October.

All 29 of Bradford's libraries to remain open - but some could be in new buildings

So customers who have late books to bring back will not be charged for the time when libraries have been closed.

If people cannot get to a library books can be renewed online at www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries or by using the automated service on 01274 430094.

Library computers can be booked in advance by people who want to access online services for job seeking, benefit applications, housing, homework, citizenship or other essential family or health needs.

It is essential to make a booking by telephone to City on 01274 433600, Shipley on 01274 431750 or Keighley on 01535 618212.

Special safety measures are in place to prioritise the safety and health of library customers, staff and volunteers.

Computers are two-metres apart and support in using IT by library staff is unavailable at the present time. If people need help or assistance, they are welcome to bring one other person from their household or support bubble on their visit, and some on-screen advice will also be available.

For those who wish to access Local Studies collections, Bradford Local Studies library and Keighley Local Studies Library are open to public access again from today to enable the use of publications and original records for study and research.

Customers should arrange an appointment and request material in advance by telephone or email to Bradford Local Studies Library on 01274 433688, email local.studies@bradford.gov.uk or Keighley Local Studies Library on 01535 618215, email keighleylocalstudies@bradford.gov.uk.

Local studies library staff are continuing to provide a telephone and email to answer enquiries involving the unique local collections.

With customer safety at the forefront, all visitors to libraries will be required to follow government health guidelines. Face coverings must be worn at all times unless exempt, two-metre social distancing followed and use of hand sanitiser provided by the service.

Contact data will be used in compliance with NHS Test and Trace.

Increased access to services will be rolled out to more libraries across the district in the coming weeks and months. For full up to date details of all services in libraries visit www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: "Library staff have worked hard to create an environment that can welcome visitors safely back into our libraries.

"We know how important free IT access is to many of our customers and look forward to opening up this service at some of our largest libraries initially.

"The Local Studies Libraries are an important resource for many people throughout the District so I am delighted that we are able to reopen them."

"Visitors should contact the libraries in advance by email or telephone to book an appointment slot.’

"As always, we ask users to listen carefully to staff and guidance when visiting and to follow the important procedures that are in place.’

"We look forward to seeing users return to our libraries to access vital online services."