More Kent Libraries and Archives Search Room set to reopen.
A further set of Kent Libraries will reopen over the course of week beginning Monday, 24th August. These will be the first libraries to also offer a socially-distanced book browsing service for customers so they can select books from the shelves.
In the meantime, KCC has also announced the re-opening of the archive search room at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone from next Tuesday (17th August).
The libraries due to re-open include (from Monday, 24th August): Faversham, Canterbury Beaney, Coldharbour (Gravesend), Tenterden, Larkfield and Dover Discovery Centre; and (from Tuesday, 25th August): Ramsgate, Showfields (Tunbridge Wells), Cranbrook, Swanley, Allington and Hythe.
Additional safety measures in each library will include hand sanitizer stations, one-way circulation routes through the building, use of the self-service machines, and face coverings being mandatory.
The first 12 libraries that opened across Kent in July will continue to offer a “select and collect” service for the time being, with browsing likely to be introduced in the coming weeks.
In September, the service will also be relaunching its mobile library service and plans to open further libraries across Kent.
At the archive search room, changes have been made to the way the service operates in line with social distancing and hand hygiene requirements. It will be operating an appointment-only system and all documents must be ordered in advance.
Full details can be found at: www.kentarchives.org.uk
The opening hours of the Archive Search Room will be 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Murray Evans
Kent County Council
Kent County Council
