MORE libraries are set to reopen their doors next month.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that Blacon, Great Boughton, Helsby and Little Sutton libraries will welcome back visitors from May 4, while Hope Farm will reopen on May 10.

They will all operate with temporary opening hours for browsing and public computer access.

Existing opening hours will continue at those libraries that reopened on April 12.

The reopening of libraries has been welcomed by residents across the borough, with staff greeting 8,293 visitors during the first week alone.

A temporary order and collect service remains available from Ellesmere Port, Neston and Storyhouse libraries.

Books in this service are selected from current stock at each library, so specific titles cannot be ordered. This service will be reviewed in the coming weeks.

West Cheshire Museums will be reopening from May 17, with more information available at westcheshiremuseums.co.uk.

The council’s director of environment and communities, Maria Byrne said: "I’m sure many residents will be pleased that as lockdown eases we are now able to reopen more of our libraries and museums.

"When visiting please continue to follow current coronavirus guidance to help keep everyone safe.

"All spaces are cleaned on a regular basis. Visitors are required to wear face coverings (unless exempt), register for Test and Trace at each site and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

"In addition to these libraries reopening, our Home Library Service may also resume where volunteers are available and the Mobile Library is now offering a temporary weekly library service in Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin and Tattenhall.”

Free Covid-19 home testing kits for those without symptoms can be collected from Northwich, Neston and Frodsham libraries and the mobile library at Tarporley, Tattenhall, Malpas and Tarvin.

The kits will be available for collection from Ellesmere Port Library from May 4.

All current library loans have been extended until May 17. Normal loan periods and charges will return after this date, but libraries are also now fine-free for the under 13s.