DORSET libraries will begin a phased reopening from tomorrow.

Following the recent relaxation of lockdown restrictions, Dorset Council has announced the reopening of 22 of its 23 libraries.

The libraries will operate using an order and collect service, customers will be able to order online or by phone and collect at an allocated time.

Members of the public can fill in a survey on their reading preferences on the Dorset Council website. The libraries will then provide a bag of up to ten books and other items, such as audiobooks and DVDs, ready for collection. These items will be based on the items customers usually select for themselves.

This process will be contactless and the pre-arranged timeslots will enable the library staff to manage how many people are in each site at any particular time.

From this week, people will be able to return books and other items currently on loan through letterboxes at the libraries.

Current loans that would have been due back during the lockdown period have been extended to the end of August.

The council hope to make further services available at nine Dorset libraries later in July. These sites will include Bridport, Dorchester, Sherborne, Wareham and Weymouth.

Initially, these libraries will open with reduced opening hours and a limited number of visitors will be allowed in the buildings at one time.

Customers will also be able to browse the books and reserve use of the public access computers.

Cllr Tony Alford, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for customer, community and regulatory services, said: “During lockdown, our library teams worked hard to minimise the disruption to customers by offering a range of fun and informative services via the internet.

“However, I know many people missed the human interaction a visit to the library can give.

“Although libraries are going to look and feel very different as they re-open with limited services on offer, I am sure customers will be pleased to physically access their local library again and have a much-needed refresh of their reading material.”

Books will be available to order online from July 8 at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries. Orders can also be made by phone by calling 01305 228400.