Chesterfield Library will reopen on Wednesday 8 July after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic since 20 March.

Libraries across Derbyshire are to begin reopening from this week, with several temporary changes in place to keep customers and staff safe.

Chesterfield Library will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays until further notice, with people being asked to arrange appointments direct with their local library.

‘Book and borrow’ appointments for people wanting to take out books can be arranged over the phone or by email, and use of library computers can be arranged by phone only.

All currently borrowed books and other items have been automatically renewed until 30 September 2020 and people are being urged not to bring them back unless they have made an appointment. No overdue charges will be incurred for books which are currently borrowed.

It will not be possible for library staff to order books from other libraries during the temporary arrangements, and staff will only be able to provide items from their specific branch. This means that specific titles may not always be available. All books will be issued to 30 September 2020.

Library staff will monitor how the new systems put in place are working and ensure social distancing can be adhered to before rolling out the re-opening of other libraries across Derbyshire.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Tourism and Culture, said:“We are delighted to be in a position where we can start to slowly reopen our libraries and take the first steps towards getting them back to being fully operational.”

“The safety of our staff and customers is always our top priority, and we’ve been following government guidance closely, considering a range of options to get our libraries open in some form.”

“We know how important libraries are to people, and we’ve seen the number of library members rise by more than 1,100 during lockdown, with Derbyshire residents taking advantage of the excellent range of free services available online, from eBooks and eNewspapers to activities and research materials.”

“I hope library users will bear with us and take advantage of the reopening of services, albeit limited to start with, and we will endeavour to reopen other parts of the service over the next few weeks.”

During the initial phase of reopenings, it will not be possible to:

• visit without an appointment
• return books or other items unless attending a book and borrow appointment
• browse the shelves
• take part in reader groups or other activities
• use meeting rooms
• request specific items/books
• use the toilets and baby changing facilities
• read newspapers in the library
• make donations, including to the foodbank.

Click here to find out more about the temporary new rules on borrowing books, and using computers in libraries.

You can contact Chesterfield Library by calling 01629 533 400 or email chesterfield.library@derbyshire.gov.uk.

The Derbyshire County Cricket Club squad will return to training today (1 July) and begin their preparations for the 2020 season.

The phased return, which will closely follow current government guidance, initially allows players to train in one-hour, one-to-one slots with coaches. This schedule will gradually increase over the next few weeks to include larger group sessions.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that should all government guidelines allow, the 2020 domestic season will start on 1 August, with a revised schedule and fixture list to be announced.

Dave Houghton, Head of Cricket, said: “This is another positive step towards playing competitive cricket this summer and that’s something everyone at Derbyshire is working towards.”

He added: “All of the players have been proactive in managing their fitness, but now we can pick up a bat and ball again with the aim of returning to competitive cricket in August.”

This year’s popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket event, which was due to take place in June and July at Queen’s Park, has been postponed. When cricket returns, tickets purchased for the original fixture dates will remain valid.

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Please note: The below picture was taken a previous cricket event held at Queen’s Park

Ashgate Hospicecare have announced that this year’s Sparkle Night Walk will be a virtual event called the ‘Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night 2020’ and will go ahead on Saturday 19th September 2020.

Thousands of people were set to take part in this Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event but due to COVID-19, the event had to be postponed. The event, which is a hugely important date in the diary for so many fundraisers and volunteers across North Derbyshire, promises to still provide the Sparkle spirit like every year and the local hospice needs your support more than ever.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We know that the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk is a hugely important date in the diary for thousands of our fundraisers and volunteers. For it not to go ahead in the usual way is disappointing for everyone. That’s why we’ve decided to launch Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night to ensure North Derbyshire can still come together in a safe and responsible way to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare.”

“By walking, running, cycling or dancing in your bunny ears and special edition t-shirt from 8pm on Saturday 19th September 2020, you’ll be a part of a unique virtual event unlike any other – and the difference it will make to local people living with a life-limiting illness and their families will be huge.”

“Last year, more than 3,000 people came together to raise over £263,000 and we need your support again this year more than ever before to ensure Ashgate Hospicecare is here for the future. Please sign up now, choose a challenge involving walking, running, cycling or dancing and join us on Facebook to party from 7pm – because together, we sparkle.”

Like every year, there will be some special surprises in store for the big night that will help recreate that unforgettable Sparkle atmosphere from home – and with younger children and pets able to get involved this year for the first time as well, we’re sure it will just as memorable.

Steven Collis, from Derby, will be participating in his third Sparkle Night Walk this year. He said: “Having experienced the Markovitz Sparkle Night Walk in person, it’s such a shame we can’t all be together as we would normally be. That said, I’m still really excited to take part in the Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night this year, and I can’t wait to get involved in a new way – I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The past few months have been hugely challenging for the charity and the wider community. At Ashgate Hospicecare, they have had to transform the way they provide their care, in the most difficult of circumstances, to reach more people than ever before. They have also expanded their end of life and bereavement support into the wider community, including care homes. And that’s why they need your support now more than ever.

For more details and to sign up for this year’s Markovitz Virtual Sparkle Night, click here.

Click here to read more about Ashgate Hospicecare

Residents across Derbyshire can take part in a wide range of free online courses this summer organised by Derbyshire County Council.

Some courses can be done online at a pace that suits you while other courses will be delivered remotely using Zoom where learners will be part of a live class with a tutor and fellow learners.

Learners will be provided with a list of materials or equipment they need for each session. All you need is a laptop, tablet or smart phone with internet access.