Coronavirus: Libraries to close, John Lewis shuts Queensgate store, cathedral streams Mother’s Day service

The council said from next week it plans to focus on an increased digital service and an appointments-based system.

From Monday, it will offer:

. Appointments to use IT for those who most need it

. A drop-off/collection service for item reservations on an appointment basis with items quarantined for 72 hours between loans.

. An increased Library@Home Service – using more staff and volunteers to drop off and collect books and other resources/services while maintaining social distancing.

. An expanded assisted digital offer over the phone/online – increasing the amount of online resources for people to borrow and enjoy.

Library staff and vehicles will also be used to distribute essential goods and services to communities, care homes and to those who are housebound.

“We recognise that our library service is such a vital and important resource for so many people, particularly in times such as these – so our decision aims to retain core services while not putting any of our customers or our staff at unnecessary risk,” said Cllr Steve Criswell, chairman of the county council’s Communities and Partnership Committee.

In Peterborough, the John Lewis store in Queensgate will close on Monday afternoon as part of a national shutdown by the retailer.

And this morning the cathedral held a special online service for Mother’s Day. If you missed it, you can catch up on the cathedral’s Facebook page.