THURROCK'S libraries, with the exception of Purfleet and Stanford-le-Hope, will be opening next week.

The council has issued guidance about what visitors can do at the venues, and what rules will be in place. Residents should visit the library alone, if possible.

Adults who need special assistance can visit to use a computer with their carer.

When you visit a library:

Staff will limit the number of people allowed inside

You must wear a face covering at all times when inside

A one-way system will be in place inside some library areas

You must stay two metres from other library users and staff at all times

Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance

Cleaning stations will be available beside our self-service machines, for those who are printing

All returned items will be kept in quarantine for three days before being available to borrow again.

Libraries that will open on Monday (1 March) are:

Belhus (part of South Ockendon Centre), Blackshots, Corringham, Grays and Tilbury.

On Tuesday Aveley (part of Aveley Community Hub) and East Tilbury will be open.

And on Thursday, Chadwell St Mary library (part of Chadwell Information Centre) will open its doors.

Hours and days of opening differ.

Aveley will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4:30pm.

Belhus: Monday to Friday - 10am to 4.30pm; Saturday – 10am to 1pm.

Blackshots: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4.30pm; Saturdays - 10am to 1pm.

Chadwell: Thursdays - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4.30pm; Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

Corringham - Mondays to Fridays - 10am to 4.30pm; Saturday – 10am to 1pm.

East Tilbury -Tuesdays and Thursdays - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4.30pm; Saturdays - 10am to 1pm.

Grays Mondays - 9am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 4.30pm; Saturdays 9am to 1pm.

Tilbury: Mondays and Fridays - 10am to 1pm, 2pm to 4.30pm.

You will be able to:

• return items on loan
• reserve new items online
• collect items that you had reserved online or using the council's 'order and collect' service
• use public computers and printers for up to 60 minutes, if pre-booked

You must book in advance if you wish to use a library computer. You can do this either online or by phoning the library no more than one day in advance.

You are advised to check opening hours before you visit as there may be temporary changes. The council's libraries information page can be found via this link.

There is no date yet set for the reopening of Purfleet and Stanford-le-Hope libraries.

Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Our libraries provide a lifeline for many residents in our borough and I'm delighted that they have been able to reopen on this basis.

"The order and collect service was very popular when we first offered this option in November last year, and our libraries received more than 300 orders and collections. We have also seen high numbers of uptake for digital library services, with Essex and Thurrock receiving 46,874 issues for e-books and e-audio through BorrowBox during January 2021.

"Library users can continue to benefit from Reading Friends, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling loneliness which we launched in Thurrock earlier this month."