Book worms breathed a sigh of relief today when some of Sutherland Shire's libraries reopened to the public following the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
Cronulla, Engadine and Menai libraries were the first to open their doors, three months after social distancing measures led Sutherland Shire Council to close many of its public facilities.
The three libraries will be open for loans, returns, self-service computer use and photocopying only.
They are open 9.30am-6pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9.30am-5pm Wednesday and Friday; and 9am-noon Saturday.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said while library staff had delivered innovative online programs during the forced closure period, there were many people who were eagerly looking forward to walking back through the doors of their local library.
"We know that our libraries play an important role in the communities they serve, so it is fantastic to be able to welcome visitors back through the doors at Cronulla, Engadine and Menai libraries today," Cr Pesce said.
"Our library staff have reported a steady stream of visitors through the doors throughout the day, with many regular patrons expressing just how pleased they were to be able to visit once again.
"We thank all local residents for their patience during the COVID-19 closure period - I know our local library staff are very happy to welcome visitors back this week."
Sutherland and Caringbah libraries remain closed to allow the completion of renovation works timed to coincide with the lockdown.
Cr Pesce said the council looked forward to welcoming visitors back to those libraries once the renovations were complete.
The smaller Bundeena, Miranda and Sylvania libraries will remain closed due to the difficulty in adhering to a new requirement to quarantine all library returns, which would take up significant floor space.
A Click, Call & Collect service in place at Cronulla, Menai and Engadine libraries since June 3 has now ended.
The council said libraries would need to adhere to strict new social distancing, hygiene and public record measures required under the state government's Public Health Order. These include:
- limited visitor numbers in each library at any one time;
- following social distancing and strict hygiene requirements, including keeping 1.5 metres from others and using hand sanitiser before and after visiting;
- providing contact details, including a phone number or reliable email address, before entering;
- a library staff member will work as a concierge at the door to manage visitor numbers and hand-sanitising on entry;
- all physical collections items (books, DVDs, CDs) will be quarantined for 72 hours on return;
- some services and activities remain unavailable, including print newspapers, study/seating areas, and help with computers, photocopying or scanning;
- only cashless payments will be accepted.
Details: For more information on Sutherland Shire Council's libraries click here or email library@ssc.nsw.gov.au