HAVING only recently introduced extra sessions, the library in Holsworthy has taken the decision to close its doors to protect its staff and help reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

Devon Libraries Unlimited, which runs Holsworthy Library, said in a statement: “To keep our staff, volunteers and customers safe and healthy we’ve taken the decision to close our physical sites in Devon and suspend our public events.”

Adding: “Over the coming weeks we will continue to offer as many online services as we possibly can so that our libraries remain open to everyone, wherever you are in Devon. We will be working hard to maintain this access during these unprecedented times and will be developing new offerings to help support our local communities.”

Following the decision, library supervisor Mary Weblin told the Post the library would do everything it can to support its local community in a safe way. She said: “Holsworthy Library is now closed until further notice but we are hoping that there will still be ways we can continue to support our customers and the wider community. We are considering delivery of books to those in the town, telephone calls to customers, and ways to work with other organisations. At the moment I’m in self isolation as are other staff members so I can’t physically get into Holsworthy until the end of next week. 

“Customers do not need to worry about overdue fines or about returning books to us right now. I know that many of our customers don’t use social media or emails so please can you help spread the word about this — if you have a neighbour or relative who uses us but isn’t on social media please do let them know. At the moment all loans have been extended for three months and there will be more information to come. 

“If you or any of our other customers who you might know would appreciate a phone call from us please email your/their (with their permission) details to [email protected] and we will get in touch with them — could just be for a chat, doesn’t have to be library related.”

She added: “There will be more information to come in the following days and once I’m out of self isolation I’ll be able to offer more practical help.”