OVERDUE fines for library books have been suspended as East Lothian Council prepares to welcome customers back to its libraries.

The local authority has appealed to customers who have outstanding loans to return them by declaring an amnesty on fines which may have been caused by lockdown.

Haddington Library, which has been operating a click and collect service since last week, is now preparing to open to the public from next Monday (August 10).

And the click and collect service, which allows people to order books online and collect them at a pre-booked time, is extending to Musselburgh Library from Monday.

The council said that library members would be able to order in advance up to six titles and book a suitable collection date and time to pick up the order from Musselburgh Library.

Collection times will operate between 10am and 1pm, and 2pm to 4.30pm Monday to Fridays, and 10am-1pm and 2-3.30pm on Saturdays.

Haddington Library will open to the public for the same hours from next Monday, with members asked to book an appointment for browsing the shelves to ensure numbers remain low.

Face coverings will need to be worn while visiting the library. 

A council spokesperson said that outstanding loans could be returned free of charge to Haddington Library; Brunton Hall, Musselburgh; John Muir House,  Haddington; and Port Seton Community Centre.

They said: “All overdue fines have been suspended.”

To order titles from Musselburgh Library, go to eastlothian.gov.uk/forms/form/10381/en/click_and_collect