LIBRARIES in Oldbury and Blackheath are welcoming book lovers back to browse their collections this week.

Blackheath Library and Bleakhouse library in Oldbury are open for people to browse - there is no need to make an appointment - but people won't be allowed in unless they can show their library card.

Face masks must be worn unless people are exempt.

A spokesman for Sandwell Council said: "To keep you safe, we will be limiting the number of customers allowed into any library at any one time.

"Browsing will be limited to 20 minutes."

The libraries on Bleakhouse Road and High Street are also offering study tables for people to use for a maximum of 90 minutes - these must be booked and library membership cards must be shown on arrival.

Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “It’s great to see these popular services back at Sandwell’s libraries.

"I know we’ve all missed being able to look through the shelves to see what catches our eye.

“But Covid is still here, so it’s important that we enjoy the services our libraries are offering safely.

"Follow the rules – hands, face, space - and stay safe.”

Almost all Sandwell libraries now have an order and collect service and offer pre-booked computer sessions.

Blackheath Library is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 10am – 4pm. Tel no. 0121 569 4920. Services on offer are: book browsing, study spaces, order and collect, computers.

Bleakhouse Library is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10am – 4pm. Tel no. 0121 569 4923. Services on offer are: book browsing, study spaces, order and collect, computers.

Brandhall Library in Oldbury is open: Tuesday, 10am – 4pm. Tel no. 0121 569 4924. Services: order and collect, computers.

Cradley Heath Library is open Tuesday, Thursday, 10am – 4pm. 0121 569 4926. Services: order and collect, computers.

Rounds Green Library, Oldbury: Saturday, 10am – 4pm. 0121 569 4934. Services: order and collect, computers.

Books can be reserved online at www.sandwell.gov.uk/libraries or by phoning a library.

If you have lost your membership card, phone your library during opening hours to arrange a new card.

You will need to use the self-service kiosks to borrow items.

All items that were borrowed before the first lockdown have had their due date extended to 30 June 2021.