Libraries to extend opening hours and the Edwin Young Gallery to reopen

Art fans and book lovers will be able to once again enjoy the Edwin Young Gallery, reopening on Thursday 20 May, and some longer opening hours at libraries across Wiltshire from Monday 17 May, following the Government's confirmation to proceed with Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown.

From 17 May, indoor entertainment and attractions such as museums, cinemas, theatres and galleries will be allowed to reopen their doors to the public.

After being closed for over a year, shutting it's doors at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the Edwin Young Gallery in Salisbury will finally reopen its doors on Thursday 20 May. The gallery will open with reduced hours in line with the Salisbury Library opening hours. Full details of the opening hours can be found at https://apps.wiltshire.gov.uk/librariesinformation (opens new window).

Gallery 1 of the Edwin Young Gallery will be exhibiting it's Permanent Collection including photography, painting, sculpture and drawing. Some of the outstanding art works include a newly acquired Elizabeth Blackadder watercolour and a rare Constable etching of Milford Bridge. Gallery 2 will be exhibiting Harnham watercolours by Edwin Young. There is also a virtual display of these paintings available online at https://younggallerysalisbury.co.uk/edwin-young-watercolours (opens new window).

It's also good news for library users, with four libraries run by volunteers reopening from week commencing 24 May in Durrington, Lyneham, Box and Tisbury. Many larger libraries will be extending their opening hours from Monday 17 May. Where possible, libraries will be offering later afternoon hours and one late opening until 6pm each week.

The safety of customers and staff remains a priority, therefore full opening hours are not yet possible. Important safety measures will continue to be in place for everyone, including Test and Trace details being taken as people enter a library, social distancing and staff will be quarantining returned items for 72 hours.

Jessica Gibbons, Wiltshire Council Director for Communities and Neighbourhood Services, said:

We are so pleased to see more industries being allowed to reopen in this next step of the roadmap and the gradual easing of restrictions.

Our Active Wiltshire outcomes show how libraries and the gallery are an important resource to bring people back into town centres, to connect people digitally, enable social connection and support mental health and wellbeing.

This is great news for the members of our community who like to soak up the culture that our eclectic galleries and museums offer across the county. Our library teams and volunteers also continue to work hard to ensure they are opening for as long as possible whilst maintaining everyone's safety.

For more information about the Edwin Young Gallery, people can visit https://younggallerysalisbury.co.uk/edwin-young-watercolours/ (opens new window).

Details of individual library hours can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-home.