More libraries to reopen and extend hours across Wakefield district

Ossett Library and Castleford Museum will re-open on Monday, August 3 in the next stage of the council’s phased re-opening of its libraries and museums.

Both will operate on reduced hours at first to remain Covid-19 secure and to allow residents to use them with confidence.

Ossett Library will open on Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 1pm and Friday 1pm to 4pm.

Castleford Museum will open daily from 10am to 3pm, except Wednesday and Sunday.

Also starting from Monday, August 3, all other libraries across the district will be extending their opening hours, starting with Airedale, Pontefract, Horbury and Normanton. The other five libraries will change their operating hours the following week.

Coun Jacquie Speight, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “It’s been great to open the doors to our cultural sites once again and it’s nice that our residents have felt confident and safe in visiting them.

“As we continue our phased re-opening, 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 inside at any one time. Some of the activities that are usually held in libraries have also been temporarily suspended.

Please check the Council’s website www.wakefield.gov.uk for further details and opening times.