Warwickshire Libraries teams urge readers to keep their library books and stay at home

Warwickshire’s library chief has urged avid readers to hang on to their books and don’t worry about renewing them during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Ayub Khan, head of libraries and face to face front-line services at Warwickshire County Council, said it was important for the public to stay safe and not venture out on unnecessary trips.

Libraries across the county have been closed since March 23 and he said no fines would be imposed during the current lockdown.

Mr Khan added: “It is really important that library customers do not try to take books back to any library during this time. Most of our buildings do not have a book return box or letterbox and returning books is unnecessary travel that will increase the risk of spreading the virus.

“We really want our readers to stay safe and not to worry about the books they have borrowed from us.

“Please share this information with your friends and families, particularly anyone vulnerable who is isolating for 12 weeks, and reassure them that they will not be fined for any overdue books.”

During the lockdown, libraries are offering a number of online services ranging from information resources to reading-related activities and these can be accessed by going to: www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries