PLANS TO reopen the library in Lower Earley have been put on hold, following the announcement of the latest Coronavirus restrictions.

The announcement that reopening plans would be delayed was made at the end of September, shortly following the Prime Minister's 'rule of six' public announcement.

The library, which was set to open between September 21 - 25, still remains closed at this time.

ALSO READ: Covid-19 cases in Reading jumps in last 24 hours

Despite this, a spokesman for the Wokingham Borough Council detailed that both the Woodley Library and the Wokingham Library are now open, and that digital books, magazines, music and events are all available digitally and free of charge.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: "We know it’s disappointing that Lower Earley’s and the return of our other libraries have had to be paused, but we must make sure our resources are deployed to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.

"Wokingham and Woodley have been running well since reopening.

"Between them some 2,500 residents have visited and borrowed a book, and more than a 1,000 of these residents have made return visits. "Just under half of the outstanding books have also been returned during this time.

ALSO READ: Newtown gas holder demolition plan will NOT happen yet - council rejects request

"Remember, if you’re a member of any borough library, you can use Wokingham and Woodley if you wish, and you can also use our online services for e-books and audio, and search our catalogue although this will always lag by 72 hours until returned items go back on the shelves.

"And many events and groups that moved online during lockdown are still happening there."

For more information on libraries in the Wokingham Borough, visit https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/libraries/.