Council issues update on East Riding Libraries, Markets, Public Toilets, and Play Areas during lockdown

East Riding Libraries

From Thursday, 5 November, East Riding Libraries will revert back to an 'Order and Collect' service, which was successfully and safely introduced after the first lockdown.  

These are the details :

• Customers cannot come in to libraries or mobiles to browse books or use computers, however they can search the catalogue at eastriding.gov.uk (which has a huge range of suggested books) or phone to speak to a member of staff for recommendations.  
• There are still no fines! Fines have been suspended since the March lockdown and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Customers can bring books back when it's safe to do so - there will be no penalty, and books can be renewed online, on the app or over the phone. 
• Customers can borrow up to 12 items for each library account. 
• Collection times will be available within normal library opening hours. 
• Returned items continue to be quarantined for 72 hours, prior to cleaning and redistributing 
• Check the East Riding Libraries app or your online account to see when items are ready to collect (or the libraries team will call customers who have not registered an email address).

Library members are reminded that they also have free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks, plus 50 popular eMagazines and a huge selection of eNewspapers with their library card and pin, so those staying safe at home can still access the library. To join the library free and find out more about using the various online resources, visit https://www.eastridinglibraries.co.uk  

For those isolating, East Riding Libraries have also partnered with the Tigers Trust to offer free delivery of books -  contact your local branch for more information.  

Customer Service Centres are closed for public drop-ins to avoid unnecessary contact where possible to support the national lockdown. For residents needing essential customer service support, many answers can be found on the website www.eastriding.gov.uk or please contact the call centre on 01482 393939. Please be aware that the volume of calls may be higher than usual.  

The Mobile Library Service will continue to provide an order and collect service and customers of the "at home" service will still have their books delivered.  For any questions about the mobile library service, please call the mobile library team on 01482 392749.

Markets

Council-run markets in the East Riding will stay open during the new lockdown - but for food sales only.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is working with traders to keep the markets running in Beverley and Pocklington, as well as the trader-run markets in Bridlington and Cottingham, during the lockdown, which comes into force tomorrow (Thursday 5 November).

But stalls will be restricted to those selling food produce, take away food and pet food only, following Government guidance.

The markets staying open are as follows:

• Beverley's Saturday and Wednesday markets
• Pocklington's Tuesday market
• Bridlington's Saturday and Wednesday markets
• Cottingham's Thursday market.

Both shoppers and traders will need to follow social-distancing to maintain public safety.

Signs are installed to remind shoppers to keep a 2-metre distance.

Traders will also be provided with the latest Government guidance.

Public toilets

All council-run public toilets in the East Riding will remain open during the lockdown.

Users are asked to follow all Government guidelines to stay safe.

Play areas

All council play areas in the East Riding will stay open during the new lockdown.

There are 84 play areas across the East Riding - with play equipment such as climbing frames and swings for young children.

Families using them are asked to take notice of signs at all sites reminding them about the COVID-19 restrictions in place to help keep everyone safe. These include:

• Judge the risk of COVID-19 to you and your family before entering the play area.
• If you or anyone in your family are showing symptoms of COVID-19 do not enter the play area.
• Wash or sanitise your hands before and after using the play area and try not to touch your face while playing.
• Remember to socially distance from people outside your bubble.
• Refrain from eating and drinking in the play area

Tourist Information Centres

The Tourist Information Centres in Beverley and Bridlington will be closed from Thursday, 5 November.