Libraries excited to welcome visitors again

Community members who love their local library will be thrilled by the recent State Government announcement that libraries can re-open for up to 20 people at a time.   

From Thursday 22nd October, libraries in Bendigo, Castlemaine, Gisborne, Heathcote, Kangaroo Flat and Kyneton will open their doors to visitors for the first time since the beginning of August. Eaglehawk Library will re-open on Saturday morning and libraries in Romsey and Woodend on Monday. Library Agencies will also begin to open from Thursday.

“We’re so excited to be able to welcome everyone back.” Says Goldfields Libraries CEO Mark Hands. "We've had many calls and emails since the announcement on Sunday, but we’ve had to take a few days to organise our staff and make sure our spaces are safe for visitors.”

Visitors will be able to browse, borrow and reserve books, magazines, DVDs and music, use the public computers and free Wi-Fi, and access the printers/photocopiers.

“We are committed to re-introducing our services as safely as we can, so we do need to take a few precautions to protect the community and our staff, and we ask that library users follow a few important conditions” said Mr Hands.

“While most of our libraries don’t have time limits in place, with only 20 people allowed in our spaces at one time, we do ask that you try and keep your visit brief. We expect there will be quite a few people wanting to access our spaces, and we want to allow as many people through the doors as possible”.

Visitors will also need to wear a fitted mask, present a library card or photo ID with an address, and sanitise hands when arriving at the library.

“We recognise that this is a very limited re-opening, and that many of you have been missing your community loungeroom. Please stay connected with us. Follow us on Facebook, join in an online event, or give us a call. Our staff are here to help.” Said Mr Hands.

For more information and to keep updated, visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au or phone 5449 2700.