Libraries in Harrow will start reopening next week, with Stanmore and Wealdstone set to open their doors on Tuesday (July 14).

However, visitors will not be allowed to browse in the usual fashion, with an ordering service in place.

Study spaces, seating areas, toilets, newspapers and magazines, and group events are also unavailable at this stage.

Opening hours will be reduced to begin with, with both sites open from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10am to 1pm on Wednesday and Friday, and closed Sunday and Monday.

And the council has put several additional safety measures in place, including hand sanitising stations, Perspex screens and limits on the number of people allowed in at any one time.

The use of computers will be restricted – slots must be booked in advance and are available for 45-minute sessions.

Gloves, which will be provided upon entry to the library if using a computer, must also be worn.

The council has encouraged people to continue to use its online resources, including how to access e-books.

In terms of returns, overdue charges have been suspended until “normal services resume” and renewals have been extended until August 31.

A report presented to Harrow Council’s cabinet outlined plans for library refurbishments that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It noted that the lease at Gayton Library, which is set to move to a new town centre site, Greenhill Library, has been extended until August 31.

According to the report, there had been “good progress” of the fit out in Greenhill, with work recommencing in May, while books should have been moved during June.

It added that process for refurbishment works at Wealdstone and Kenton Libraries are underway.

Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-affecting-libraries for more information.