Oakham Library has reopened today (Wednesday 2 December), following the end of the second national COVID-19 lockdown.

All Rutland libraries were closed after the government announced that tighter COVID-19 restrictions would come into effect throughout England from Thursday 5 November to Wednesday 2 December.

From Wednesday onwards, Oakham Library will return to its pre-lockdown operating hours, opening on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.00pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 1.00pm.

Branch libraries in Uppingham, Ketton and Ryhall, as well as Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle, will all remain closed, subject to further changes to the government's COVID restrictions in England.

Staff who normally run these services have been redeployed to support the Council's wider pandemic response.

Coun Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "We are pleased to be able to reintroduce a limited service at Oakham Library, following an end to the second national lockdown. Unfortunately, while we remain on high alert in Tier 2, it's necessary to keep our branch libraries and other visitor attractions closed.

"We feel this is important to reduce the risk of virus transmission in Rutland and give ourselves the best possible chance of returning to Tier 1 as soon as possible. Free online and home delivery services will still be available for our registered library users."

Oakham Library is offering collections of pre-ordered books and DVDs, as well as a limited number of bookable slots for computer use. Rutland Library Service also offers a home delivery service for registered library users who cannot travel to the library.

For more information about these services, please visit: www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries, call Oakham Library on: 01572 722 918, or email: [email protected]