Libraries across Devon will close until further notice from Friday evening as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, writes Daniel Clark, local democracy reporter

Libraries Unlimited, who run the county’s 50 libraries, had on Wednesday said that they are committed to keeping as many of their libraries open as long as there is no government guidance to do otherwise.

In a statement on their website and inside some of their libraries, they say that library services are considered essential and a vital service to people who may be isolated or vulnerable, as well as a key provider of information in a difficult time.

Group social activities, such as Bounce & Rhyme, had been considered as non-essential and as a result had been paused indefinitely.

Libraries were due to remain open unless they are in a building that has been closed, they are told to close by Government, or staff shortages mean that they are unable to open the library.

But on Thursday lunchtime, they announced to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe and healthy, they had taken the decision to close their physical sites in Devon and Torbay from the end of Friday, March 20, and suspend their public events.

Plans are being worked on though that would enable a selection of libraries to be open for up to two hours each morning for customers to use the library via the self-service kiosk

A statement added: “We will suspend our Devon mobile library service in line with our physical building closures. Our Home Library Service in Devon and Torbay will be suspended from the end of Thursday, March 19, and during this service closure we are encouraging our volunteers to phone our readers regularly to have a social chat and to check in.

“We would ask customers to prepare during these final opening hours by borrowing any books and DVDs you may require, return any items you need to return and to make use of our IT services. Loans will automatically be issued for three months and this change will be actioned through to June.

“We request that customers respect the social distancing guidelines and give our staff suitable space whilst they are serving our community. Please also adhere to the handwashing and respiratory guidance. For libraries with self-service facilities please, where possible, use these facilities to reduce the social interaction for our staff and volunteers.

“Over the coming weeks we will continue to offer as many online services as we possibly can so that our libraries remain open to everyone, wherever you are in Devon and Torbay. We will be working hard to maintain this access during these unprecedented times and will be developing new offerings to help support our local communities.