More of Wirral’s readers will be able to access titles from the library as the council's collection service is expanded to two further libraries following the end of lockdown.

The Order and Collect scheme, a new service launched in August, will be available at a total of four libraries from this week as Bebington and Wallasey Central open their doors for residents to access the service.

Cllr Tom Anderson, Chair of Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee at Wirral Council, said: “Since the new Order and Collect service launched in August it has helped members of our community access books throughout this a difficult time.

"By extending the service to further library sites I hope more of the borough’s residents can access reading materials.”

The Order and Collect service allows readers to order up to eight paperback, hardback and/or talking books at a time and either select the book or author they would like to read or opt for a ‘lucky dip’.

The ‘lucky dip’ option is ideal for book lovers wanting to try some different books or genres as a selection of three to four surprise titles will be selected by the council’s team of librarians.

To access the service, residents will need to be a member of the library. For those who are not already a member of Wirral Libraries, it’s free to join at any time by visiting the council’s website.

Orders can be made online by visiting www.wirral.gov.uk/collect or by calling:

  • Birkenhead Central or Bebington on: 0151 606 2114
  • West Kirby or Wallasey Central on: 0151 929 7724

Once an order is placed, residents will be contacted when their books are ready for collection.

All other library sites currently remain closed, but teams are hoping to offer additional services across more sites in the new year.

A number of the unopen buildings could be used to support the council and its partners in response to COVID-19. Residents who can’t access Wallasey Central, Bebington, West Kirby or Birkenhead Central are encouraged to ‘loan’ books from the online library.

In line with government guidance, things will look a little different at libraries and residents should ensure they adhere to the safety measures in place to help protect themselves, staff and other visitors to the library.

When visiting the library, whether that be to collect an order or to return books, entrances and exits will be marked, with a one-way system around the building and hand sanitising stations available.

No toilet facilities will be available, except in emergencies.

Visitors must bring their own bag with them and are reminded to wear a face covering.

All books will be handled in line with government guidance and not redistributed for 72 hours and residents will not be charged any fines due to this.

The council’s Home Reader Service will also restart this month on a limited basis and for existing customers.