Published 8th July 2020
Credit: Wakefield Museum
Libraries in Horbury, Hemsworth and Normanton will be the first to re-open on 11 July. Pontefract and Airedale libraries on 13 July and Sandal, South Elmsall, Featherstone, Stanley and Castleford on 20 July.
The re-start of the mobile library service and re-opening of Ossett Library are being planned for early August.
The public can return to Pontefract Castle and its children’s playground from 13 July and its visitor centre on 21 July. The café is scheduled to re-open 28 July and gift shop in August.
Pontefract Museum will welcome back visitors on 20 July, Wakefield Museum on 27 July and Castleford Museum on 3 August.
The date for the re-opening of Wakefield Library will be announced at the same time as Customer Services, Licensing and Revenue and Benefits when the building re-opens to the public.
Cllr Jacquie Speight, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “I am so pleased that we are finally able to throw open our doors to all our cultural sites once again. Things will be different to how they were before Covid-19 but these are all to ensure that everyone can enjoy our rich culture and heritage safely and securely. Welcome back!”
There will be changes to the way that the libraries, museums and tourist attractions operate in order to safeguard the health of the public and staff.
The changes are to comply with the social distancing guidelines. The main change will see reduced numbers being allowed on premises at any one time. Some of the activities that are usually held in libraries have also been temporarily suspended.
Further details are available on the council’s website www.wakefield.gov.uk for each of the premises.
Wakefield Council Press Release – PR-9467A
