By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
It has been revealed that libraries face a four-phase process in order to return to normality, with phase one launched today seeing chosen books spending six days in quarantine before they can be read.
The order and collect service will operate from six libraries that doesn't include Welshpool’s new shared facility at Powysland Museum.
The process includes a quarantine time of six days from the time residents choose what to read and actually turning the pages.
It was explained to the county council’s Economy, Residents, Communities and Governance Scrutiny Committee that this was to safeguard library staff, volunteers and readers from Covid-19.
Principal librarian Kay Thomas said: “After the books are selected at the library and packed up they will be left for 72 hours before they are delivered. There is also advice for the reader again to leave them for a further 72 hours before unpacking them.”
Areas, like Welshpool, not covered by the six libraries - Newtown, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Llanfyllin, Machynlleth and Ystradgynlais - will rely on volunteers to deliver the books instead.
When will we see Welshpool’s long awaited new library – the council’s four phase approach?
· Phase one is the first of four that will eventually lead to the full re-opening of libraries.
· Phase two, will see limited access by appointment, for essential computer use and council enquiries.
· Phase three, will see people allowed to browse the book shelves – with a limit to the numbers
· Phase four, is the full opening and re-introduction of activities and events.