Sutherland Shire Council says its Sutherland and Caringbah libraries will not reopen "for some time" due to an expanded renovation program.
The council planned the upgrade of the two libraries to coincide with forced closures of all its libraries due to coronavirus restrictions.
The two libraries had been slated to reopen on June 30, but this has been pushed back.
A council spokeswoman said the expanded program of works at Sutherland library included extensive remodelling of interior spaces, repainting and re-carpeting of the entire interior.
Caringbah library is also undergoing a significant program of works which includes rearranging the library collection, re-carpeting and replacing the existing circulation desk.
"Sutherland Shire Council appreciates the patience shown during this time by our many loyal library users, with staff looking forward to the opportunity to welcome patrons back to improved library facilities once works are completed," the spokeswoman said.
"A video walk-through of Sutherland library is now available to view on Sutherland Shire Libraries Facebook page."
Book worms breathed a sigh of relief on Monday 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 the 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.
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.
Libraries will 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