Largs library will reopen for the first time in over five months as part of a pilot scheme.

As of 22 September, residents will be able to browse and borrow books on Tuesdays and Fridays, however the experience will be much changed from before lockdown.

A number of measures will be in place to keep staff and customers safe, including a limit to the number of people inside the building and a time limit for browsing books.

Face coverings will be mandatory, with social distancing and one-way systems in place throughout the library.

Screens and hand sanitising stations will be positioned throughout each library, while soft furnishings have been removed and toilets will be out of use.

Any books returned will be quarantined for 72 hours to allow them to be sanitised before they are ready to borrow again.

Computer access will be available in the library from September 28, with one-hour time slots and advanced booking necessary.

Councillor Louise McPhater said: “We are delighted to be welcoming our residents back into Largs library – we’ve missed them.

“While this is exciting and long-awaited by many, we must stress that the experience won’t be the same as it was before as we’ve got to ensure we keep everyone safe and follow national guidelines.”

The library will be available for residents to enter, browse and borrow books on Tuesdays from 2-6pm and Fridays from 9:30am-1pm