LIBRARIES across Chester, Ellesmere Port, Frodsham and Helsby will all reopen tomorrow (December 2) as the national lockdown restrictions come to an end.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that libraries will operate on temporarily reduced opening hours – apart from Chester Library at Storyhouse – for browsing and computer access.

There will also be a temporary replacement mobile library service for Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin and Tattenhall.

Museums in the borough, which has been placed in Tier 2 of the revised regional Covid-19 restrictions, along with the Cheshire Record Office will also reopen from tomorrow.

Council leader and cabinet member for wellbeing, councillor Louise Gittins said: “Staff will be working hard to ensure everyone’s safety. Our museums, libraries and the Cheshire Record Office have tested processes in place to ensure that all spaces are cleaned on a regular basis and visitors adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back. Look out in the press and on social media for details of festive activities taking place at a museum near you and online with West Cheshire libraries.”

The home library service will resume where volunteers and clients are able to, supported by council library staff. Some library services are available 24/7 online.

Reservations will resume from tomorrow and normal loan periods and overdue charges will resume from Monday, December 7.

Libraries will also be fine-free for under 13s from that date.

Children aged 0-12 years will no longer be charged for any overdue items and any pre-existing late charges will be removed from their accounts.

For more information and details of library opening hours visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.

To ensure the safety of staff and visitors revised opening times and pre-booking has been introduced for all museums.

There are no separate booking arrangements needed for The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition at the Grosvenor museum, just pre-book a visit to the museum as normal.

Cheshire Record Office will be open on an appointment-only basis after December 2, from 10am until 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Requests to view archives must be made in advance by emailing recordoffice@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.