A NEW chapter in the history of library services in East Renfrewshire will begin today, with keen readers able to borrow books again for the first time in months.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL) is implementing a phased reopening of services, starting with a ‘click and collect’ operation at Giffnock Library, which will then be introduced at Mearns Library and the Barrhead Foundry.

Library members will be able to use an online form to select titles and will then be allocated a time slot to collect their books.

Anthony McReavy, ERCL chief executive, said: “We will be reopening our services in stages and the new click and collect service is the first stage in our plans.

“We are looking forward to offering readers the opportunity to borrow books again. Customers may not be able to go into the library to browse but they can request books and then collect them.

“The click and collect service will ensure the continued safety of our customers and staff while giving members access to our catalogue of books.”

Library staff have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for reopening, including additional training on how to deal with a ‘new normal’ as efforts to halt the spread of coronavirus continue.

Mr McReavy added: “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff is our priority and social distancing and cleanliness measures will be in place across all of our venues and facilities.

“I want to thank all of our customers for their continued support and patience during this time and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon.”

While libraries have been closed, East Renfrewshire residents have been able to use a new digital service called Pressreader, giving them online access to more than 7,000 magazines and newspapers from around the world.

A summer reading challenge was also launched by East Renfrewshire Libraries and The Reading Agency last month, encouraging children to discover new books digitally and develop their reading skills.