Islington’s Leisure and Libraries services begin re-opening as lockdown eases

While outdoor sports facilities in parks have been open since 29 March, Islington residents will now be able to access leisure centres and gyms, including the newly refurbished Highbury Leisure Centre and pool. New hygiene measures such as additional cleaning and one way systems are in place to keep leisure centre users safe. Facilities will be open for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble, and residents must book a timeslot for exercise using the Better UK app or website.

Five of Islington’s libraries will also be opening for browsing and choosing items, and library users will be able to book PCs and study space. The five libraries opening April 12 are:

• Archway Library
• Central Library
• Finsbury Library
• N4 Library
• West Library

The libraries will be open Monday to Friday between 11am-4pm, and Saturdays between 11am-5pm. Library users will be asked to wear a face coverings and sanitise their hands on entry, and library staff will be taking additional safety measures such as quarantining returned items before replacing them on shelves.

There will be no fines for items on loan that have become overdue, so library users are encouraged to return any items they may have taken out before lockdown. The library service hopes to reopen all of the borough’s ten libraries later in the month. In the meantime, library users can continue to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, online newspapers, magazines, comics and other resources for free on the council’s website.

Jonathan O’Sullivan, Islington Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said:

“This latest period of lockdown has been challenging for everyone and we thank residents for all their efforts to look after each other over the last few months. It’s really positive news that we’re now able to gradually ease lockdown restrictions, and just shows that when we all pull together, we can slow the spread and keep each other safe.

“Residents can now get outside, enjoy some exercise and activities like organised sports and the use of our wonderful libraries. However, it’s important to remember to continue to follow the rules that are still in place to keep everyone safe. We must continue looking after each other so that we can avoid another surge in Covid cases.

“The roll out of vaccines is also progressing across Islington which is brilliant news. If you're eligible to get the vaccine, please make sure to book an appointment. The vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and the people you love from Covid-19, and the more of us that have that protection, the safer we will all be.”

Information about Covid vaccination appointments is available on the council’s website, and at NHS.uk.