All our branches will be closed and the Mobile Library will be off the road on Thursday 25 April 2024.

YPRL re-opening FAQs

YPRL Staff

10 November, 2020

Seven Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches have now reopened

With restrictions easing in metropolitan Melbourne, we're excited to announce that YPRL branches are now able to welcome you back into the libraries

Mill Park Library will not reopen at this stage, however we expect renovations to be completed sometime in November.

While the new Ivanhoe Library will not open until December, however, we will continue to offer Click & Collect out of The Hatch in Ivanhoe.

The Hurstbridge Hub Click & Collect service will continue, as will the Mobile Library.

We’re pleased to be able to take this first step in seeing everyone in person again but our library services will be delivered a little differently while restrictions are still in place. All visitors must follow State Government safety guidelines, opens a new window, please do not come to the library if you are feeling unwell.

How does Click & Collect work? 

When you place an item on hold, you are able to select pickup from the branch most convenient to you. 

Items placed on hold will be prepared for pickup by staff. You will receive an email when your items are ready to pick up. When you arrive at the branch your books will be waiting for you on the holds shelf, and self-serve kiosks are available for you to borrow the items.

When visiting the library, please abide by all COVID–19 restrictions currently in place. Please follow the COVID–19 restrictions at all times and stay at home if you are unwell. Please follow signage that is on display in the library. 

Please note Ivanhoe and Mill Park Libraries are currently closed. We are working on a temporary location to collect holds in Ivanhoe. The nearest Library to Mill Park is Lalor Library or Thomastown Library.

While the new Ivanhoe Library not quite ready to open, we have now also opened a Click & Collect out of the Hatch Contemporary Arts Space at 14 Ivanhoe Parade in Ivanhoe. There will only be a return chute available at this location during operating hours.

How do I place a hold?

Log in to your account online using your library card number and 4-digit PIN and 'place a hold' using the catalogue. You can select 'Place a hold' on the right-side of any title in the search results set and select your library pickup location. For more information see our Holds section of the website.

Will I have to wait outside to enter the library?

You may have to wait outside the library as there are currently only 10 people allowed in a library space at a time because there are limits on how many people can be in the building due to the current government restrictions. Please visit the concierge when you get to the library and they will advise you of the limitations. Each of our libraries also have a Click & Collect, however number limits will be clearly signposted. If you think that the space is at capacity, please wait outside until others leave.

I need to talk to library staff

If you need to talk to library staff for assistance, please call the number provided on signage or talk to the concierge. 

Can I browse books at the library and borrow items from the shelves? 

Yes! You can finally browse books at the library again!

Can I come to the library to study or use the PCs?

Yes! There is a 1 hour limit on computer use per day. 

I still have books - should I return them? 

All current YPRL loans have had a returns date of 13 November.

Any item you have had at home prior to the closure of our branches does not need to be returned prior to this date, you can continue to keep it at home until then if you wish. Remember that YPRL is a fine-free library and we do not charge fees for overdue items. 

For those who want to return items prior to this date our returns chutes are now open. 

Please note Ivanhoe and Mill Park Libraries are currently closed, including returns chutes. For returns, the Click & Collect pop-up at the Hatch Contemporary Arts Space is the nearest to Ivanhoe and Lalor or Thomastown libraries are the nearest for Mill Park.

If you are unable to return your items by the due date, please contact us at ypmail@yprl.vic.gov.au.

I returned my books but it’s still showing up on my card?

Due to extra Covid 19 precautions, it may take some extra time for items to be removed from your card. But don’t worry, a 72-hour grace period has been added to all loans.

Why is Ivanhoe Library closed?

The old Ivanhoe Library building has been demolished to make way for the new development. The library is expected to open in December 2020.

While the new Ivanhoe Library not quite ready to open, we have now opened a Click & Collect out of the Hatch Contemporary Arts Space at 14 Ivanhoe Parade in Ivanhoe. There will only be a return chute available at this location during operating hours.

Health and safety

For more information on coronavirus and how best to manage your risks please go to Department of Health & Human Services.  

Regular disinfecting and increased cleaning will be taking place at return chutes and on surfaces. All library staff have undertaken additional health and safety training to ensure their safety and yours.

When visiting the library, please abide by all COVID–19 restrictions currently in place. Please follow the COVID–19 restrictions at all times and stay at home if you are unwell. Please follow signage that is on display in the library. 

 

Please Note: Information on this page is accurate as of the date of posting, for up-to-date information please check our homepage.

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