Following the UK government’s decision to ask public venues including pubs, restaurants, theatres and leisure centres to shut, East Sussex County Council has decided to close all libraries from, March 23 until further notice.

All current and new library loans will be extended until at least June 30, so no one has to worry about overdue library books or other items. They have scrapped fines for any items that were due to be returned after March 9, 2020.

The online library will, of course, operate as normal and have increased the number of items available online. The eLibrary, which can be accessed via www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/online/, includes not just books but also audiobooks, magazines and reference material.

East Sussex County Council apologise to announce this measure but they feel it is clearly in line with the new Government policy which is intended to further protect public health.