Library opening times return to pre-lockdown hours

Opening times at LiveWire’s libraries across the borough have returned to pre-lockdown hours, it has been announced.

The move, which came into effect this month, is a culmination of the dedicated work of the Library team  since the start of the pandemic to ensure library members continued to have access to library services despite the challenges created by Covid-19 restrictions and concerns.

Since March 2020, from in person borrowing, Order and Collect and the Home Library services, LiveWire staff have gone the extra mile to ensure Covid-19 restrictions and concerns didn’t stop readers being able to access books.

Since reopening following the lockdown periods, library hours have been reduced but from this month have reverted to pre-pandemic opening times.

As well as this, the town’s 13 libraries have a range of events running at them, from crafts to coding clubs, rhyme times to story sessions, meaning there’s so many reasons to return back to the libraries.

Emma Hutchinson, LiveWire Managing Director, said: “From our online e-book and e-audio platforms to our Order and Collect and Home Library services, our brilliant Library team was dedicated to helping keep people reading during 2021 despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic – and we look forward to continuing our work in the year ahead. As such, it is fantastic that 2022 has started with a return to our pre-lockdown opening hours, which is a real cause for celebration. We can’t wait to welcome even more customers back through our doors in the weeks and months ahead.”

Councillor Tony Higgins, WBC’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood and Communities, said: “We know what an important role our 13 libraries play in our communities, and our staff have worked tirelessly over the past two years to keep local people connected to library services. This has meant responding to the challenges of the Covid-19 restrictions with creativity and innovation.

“I’m delighted that we are now able to restore our library opening hours to pre-lockdown levels, with a range of activities planned for the coming months. It will put our libraries in an even stronger position to meet the needs of local people, and welcome many more customers, new and old.”

For more information on LiveWire libraries, visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/libraries. There is also a dedicated LiveWire libraries Facebook page @YourLivewireLibraries