Libraries in Wembley and Willesden are set to reopen on Monday (July 6) as part of a phased approach by Brent Council.

Wembley Library, in Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, and The Library at Willesden Green, in High Road, are the first council libraries to reopen since they were closed as the start of the lockdown period.

To begin with, they will be on reduced hours of 10.30am to 2.30pm, will be closed at weekends and there will be limits to the number of people allowed in at any one time.

The council explained that not all services will be available, including Wi-Fi, public computers, newspapers, journals, and the use of study facilities.

However, people will be able to borrow and return books and DVDs, while all service arrangements will be regularly reviewed.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, responsible for public health, culture and leisure at Brent Council, said: “The reopening of Wembley Library and The Library at Willesden Green is a really positive first step, however we still need to be cautious as COVID-19 has not gone away.

“That’s why these two libraries will be open on a very limited basis at first with safety measures in place, so we can make sure we’re taking every step to protect staff and visitors.”

He also encouraged residents to make use of the council’s e-library service, which is available through the Brent Council website.

There are plans to open more libraries across the borough “when it is safe to do so” and depending on updated national and local guidance.