(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Three public libraries in Sharjah are set reopen this Sunday, June 21, with strict safety measures in place, authorities said.

The Sharjah Public Library (SPL) said its main branch in the city, as well as branches in Dibba Al Hisn and Al Dhaid, will be welcoming back book lovers, researchers, and visitors, with each library accommodating 30 per cent of its capacity. The select branches will also operate with 30 per cent of their staff.

The libraries will be monitoring the number of visitors by implementing phone reservations, according to the SPL. Visitors must call the branch prior to their arrival to book their preferred time and duration of stay.

Upon arrival, visitors will be instructed about the precautionary measures to follow while inside the library and they will also be notified, through a phone call, once their specified visiting hours are over.

In addition, during the initial reopening phase, borrowing and returning of books will be limited to in-house usage. Photocopying services will be available as self-service, while guests can make use of library computers, subject to availability.

Only guests aged 13 to 59 will be allowed entry for a maximum of two hours per visit. The Sharjah Public library will be open from 8am to 9pm, while Dibba Al Hisn and Al Dhaid libraries will be open from 8am to 8pm.

All library facilities, except the children''s section and prayer rooms, will be available to visitors, the SPL said in its latest advisory.

Eman Bushulaibi, director of SPL, said: "The initial phase of reopening is in line with our mission to enrich the lives of our community members with valuable knowledge resources while enforcing comprehensive safety measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff at these select branches."

Bushulaibi also noted that its branches in Kalba, Khor Fakkan, and Wadi Al Helo, which are currently closed for maintenance, will resume operations upon completion of the scheduled work.

All branches of the SPL were closed from mid-March in line with the UAE''s precautionary measures to ensure public safety in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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