So, in the last couple of years we have all gotten used to adapting and changing as things develop. Restrictions and guidelines keep changing for how we live, work, shop and socialise. Carrying or wearing a mask has become the norm and every phone has a QR code reader that we use on auto pilot. Every business, service and family has had to adjust and find their own way.
Your library service is in the same boat. It has been a rollercoaster of opening, closing, virtual storytime, click and collect only, masks, no masks, QR codes, vaccination certificates, density limits, online events, opening late, closing early. And now we need to close some branches to help keep other branches fully staffed.
We know it can be confusing and it’s hard to keep track of what is open and when because it keeps changing.
Let us try to make it clear.
- One Library Service: All our library branches are connected. You can borrow and return items to any!
(See all Locations.) - Click & Collect: You can reserve (place a hold) on an item and collect it from any branch you choose.
- Branch closures: Some of our branches are closing its doors temporarily for visitors but ALL branches and Hubs still allow you to Click & Collect.
Our goal is to keep our larger and most frequently used branches open for full services to the community as much as possible. Therefore, some of the smaller branches have been closed to allow staff to be redirected where most needed.
These branches are currently only open for Click & Collect:
- Thomastown Library (from 13 January)
- Whittlesea Library (from 18 January)
- Diamond Valley Library (from 20 January)
- Visiting: If you want to visit a library branch, please check the location page on our website first for opening hour details and check that it is currently one that allows visitors. You will need to click on ‘More info’ of that branch as hours for click and collect may appear and be misleading.
- Shorter hours: All branches that are open for visitors are currently closing at 7pm Monday – Thursday but may change at short notice.
- Masks are mandatory for anyone over the age of 8, unless you have an exemption.
- Vaccination Certificate: Everyone entering a library branch needs to show proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals are still welcome to use the Click and Collect service.
- Density limits apply: there’s specific signage in branch spaces to inform you as to the maximum people allowed in different areas.
- Events: Many planned in-person events have now been cancelled, postponed or changed. Most events require bookings. Please check the details of the event before attending. Check out what virtual events are available.
- Storytimes: Digital storytimes are still available every second day. Watch on our facebook page.
In-person storytimes have been reduced but there is one a day happening across three of our branches: Eltham, Ivanhoe and Mill Park Libraries. - The Toy and Learning Library at Lalor Library is still open normal hours.
Your local Library has always been a place of freebies and community support! Free space, free things to borrow, free information, free entertainment, free technology and wifi, free equipment.
This has not fundamentally changed. Your library is here for you. Some services have had to shift and change in order for us to continue to support the community as much as we can and stay safe. We thank you for your patience, understanding and feedback.
Just quickly…
Are you getting the most of your library membership? Maybe it’s time to check out the eLibrary? Most members are not aware that library membership gives you access to a huge digital range that you can explore from the comfort of your own home!
Download eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, stream movies – that’s only the tip of the iceberg! Learn your way: upskill personally or professionally with mini video courses on LinkedIn Learning. Learn a language, research your family history or let the kids have guilt-free screen time with educational games and storybox library videos.
These freebies have to be seen to be believed! Find out more here…