MORE of Oxfordshire's public libraries are due to open this week and next week.

Oxfordshire County Council started to reopen public libraries in August as coronavirus restrictions eased.

Now, more of its libraries in rural areas are reopening, with the first unlocking their doors yesterday.

Libraries which are opening this week (from Monday, September 28) include Faringdon, Sonning Common, Watlington and Goring libraries will reopen.

Next week, Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries will open again.

The county council has already opened many of is larger libraries, with the full list including Abingdon, Banbury, Berinsfield, Bicester, Blackbird Leys, Carterton, Chipping Norton, Cowley, Didcot, Eynsham, Headington, Henley, Kidlington, Summertown, Thame, Wallingford, Wantage, Woodstock, Witney and the Oxfordshire County Library in the Westgate Centre.

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Some of those which have reopened are not using the same opening hours as before the pandemic began, so visitors are recommended to visit the council's website to find out opening times.

The web address is oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries

Library users can now return items with no risk with book drop boxes accessible in or out of opening hours.

Visitors will be asked to wear face coverings, pay by card where possible and contact details will be requested when visiting.

During the height on the first lockdown, many library workers were seconded into other areas of work for the council.