Hollington library is one of 12 across East Sussex that are due to reopen next month, it has been announced.

The Battle Road site, which was forced to close because of Covid-19 restrictions, will welcome people back on October 19th.

But changes to the layout to enable people to follow social distancing guidance, means fewer books and computers will be available.

Opening days and hours are also yet to be confirmed, due to the additional staff needed and enhanced cleaning.

A small number of people will be allowed in the libraries at any one time and can browse a limited number of books and borrow up to 20 items.  

Customers will also be able to order online or by phone any item from the lending stock of the entire county library catalogue free of charge, and have it delivered to the library of their choice.  

Computers will be available during time-limited, pre-booked sessions.

However, there will be no toilet facilities or photocopying service, and DVDs, newspapers and periodicals will not be available.

In line with Government guidance, visitors will be asked for their name and phone number at the time they go into the library.

The move follows the successful reopening of five libraries in July, according to Councillor Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for communities.

“We will provide as many services as possible but we are not going to be able to offer the library experience that people are used to and I would still encourage people to use our fantastic eLibrary where they can.”

Cllr Bentley said the online library had been successful, with almost 80,000 people signing up to access eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines.

Click here for more information.

The other libraries reopening are: Lewes, Peacehaven, Seaford, Hampden Park, Hailsham, Heathfield, Uckfield, Forest Row, Wadhurst, Bexhill, and Rye.