Staffordshire's mobile libraries are returning to the roads as part of the local library service's phased reopening.

Two Staffordshire County Council vehicles began their return to smaller communities from Monday (17th August).

The service will be limited initially to no more than two communities per day per vehicle and borrowers will not enter the vehicle but deposit their books with staff and collect new loans arranged in advance.

Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet member for Communities, said: "Staffordshire's library service is reopening step by step to provide as much of a service as it can while keeping staff, users and volunteers safe.

"Our 43 static libraries are reopening across the county and reintroducing our mobile service is the next step.

"Because the internal space in the mobile libraries is quite small, we have to keep some restrictions in place for everybody's good, but we hope borrowers will be pleased to see them in their communities again."

The 16 libraries directly managed by Staffordshire County Council have returned to their pre-pandemic opening times, while the 27 community managed libraries are reopening at a steady pace with support from the local authority.

Borrowers wanting to take books from the mobile libraries need to use the 'Order and Collect' service in advance by clicking here or calling 01785 278367.

Details of the mobile libraries' initial timetables are available here and they will be expanded when conditions allow. The service has been in touch with Parish Councils and also contacted some customers who might benefit from a Home Reader service.

Victoria Wilson added: "Certainly to start with it will be a slow process at the vehicle and we hope users understand and are patient.

"We will review how this phased reintroduction works and then we'll see how we can expand the service."

Staffordshire libraries already have a 'home delivery' service for those who are housebound and do not use the council's online service 'Borrowbox'. If anyone wants to make use of it they should click here.