Melton Carnegie Museum set to reopen

Melton Carnegie Museum will reopen on Thursday but visitors must pre-book a timed slot.
The sign at the entrance to Melton Carnegie Museum, on Thorpe End EMN-200809-114202001The sign at the entrance to Melton Carnegie Museum, on Thorpe End EMN-200809-114202001
The sign at the entrance to Melton Carnegie Museum, on Thorpe End EMN-200809-114202001

The Thorpe End building closed in March as part of the tightening coronavirus restrictions.

But Leicestershire County Council has confirmed it will reopen this week.

Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “We’re delighted that we are now able to re-open our heritage sites and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to enjoy them.

“Our priority is to ensure that the attractions are safe for visitors and staff.

“What remains the same is that we want people to come along and have an enjoyable time with us – as well as staying safe.”

To pre-book a visit go to www.meltonmuseum.org or call 0116 3053860.

Meanwhile, new figures show that Leicestershire’s main libraries, including the one at Melton, have received over 5,500 visitors since a browsing service was re-introduced at the start of last month.

County Hall has announced that opening hours are now being further extended with the aim of encouraging more people to use an appointment system for visits.

This latest move also builds on the success of a ‘click and collect’ service, which allows members to request a selection of books as recommended by library staff, and which has received more than 1,600 orders since it was launched in early July.

Other statistics also show that over 95,000 e-books and audiobooks have been loaned out ‘virtually’, a significant increase on pre-lockdown usage.

Councillor Blunt, added: “I’m really proud of what has been achieved through introducing ‘click and collect’ and the appointment system.

“It’s contributed towards getting the service up and running again.

“There are a few more services we need to re-introduce, but we’re almost there.

“Every step is being taken to ensure that libraries are safe to return to and for visitors to enjoy what is on offer.”

To book a time slot for a visit to Melton Library, go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/book-a-library-visit or go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/click-and-collect to request ‘click and collect’.

Customers without internet access can book either of these services by calling 0116 305 2695

The county council is also working towards re-instating computer availability for customers over the next few weeks.

Visitors are remninded that face coverings are compulsory inside the library and all returned items are quarantined for 72 hours.

Other measures to help include hand sanitiser and protective screens.