• WHILE I have a great deal of sympathy for Ciaran Flavin (Libraries should be open, August 7), I fully support the way Islington Council have gone for a phased reopening.

This has enabled our members to get things ready for when there will be more access to the public.

We have had months of mixed messages from the government throughout lockdown and this has had an impact on local authority planning.

It is true that some authorities reopened libraries on July 4 but the council and Unison agreed this was too soon.

Buildings across the borough are being made safe for both the public and staff. Screens are being installed and materials are being quarantined and, where necessary, are being cleaned and reshelved. And this all takes time.

I know library staff are eager to get back to providing services but they want to feel safe and they want the public to feel safe.

JANE DOOLAN
Branch Secretary
Islington Unison