Golden Plains libraries return and are ready for readers

IT’S time to turn the page to a new chapter as library services across the Shire make get back into action next week.

The Bannockburn Library will reopen this Tuesday, 9 June, with mobile library following on its previous schedule.

Having been shut since mid-March to be COVID compliant and keep the community safe, the Bannockburn facility will be accessible during reduced opening hours, before heading back to normal hours on Monday, 6 July.

Chair of Geelong Regional Libraries, Ron Nelson said health and wellbeing of staff and visitors is paramount through the period of transition, and beyond.

Operations and procedures will be different, but regardless, the team is delighted to have life and readers returning to the space.

“Staff are busy working behind the scenes to prepare. Strict hygiene and social distancing rules will be in place to protect our staff, library members and the wider community,” he said.

“This will include time limits on library visits and a concierge at the door to manage visitor numbers. We expect all library visitors to play their role to help keep everyone safe.

“We thank our members and the community for their continued understanding and patience as we work through unprecedented times, and we look forward to welcoming you through the doors in the coming days.”

Until 6 July, Bannockburn Library will be accessible on Mondays, 10am to 1pm, and Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, with a one-hour closure from 1pm to 2pm.

The return chute will be operational during the reduced opening hours only. Items currently on loan will now be due back on Friday, 31 July, with no late fees allocated through this period.

Events and group sessions including children’s story time will not be running at this stage. Computer and iPad use will be limited while people who are inside the library for more than 15 minutes will have their name recorded for COVID-19 tracking reasons.

On Thursday 11 June the mobile library will return to Meredith between 9 and 10.30am, then Rokewood 11.45am to 1pm, followed by Dereel at 2.15 to 3pm and lastly Enfield between 3.30 and 4.30pm.

On Friday it visits Haddon for an hour from 9am, before stopping at Smythesdale at 10.30am to 12pm, Linton between 1.30 and 2.45pm and finally swinging by Cape Clear at 3.15 for 45 minutes.

Also, the mobile library is still scheduled to make its Saturday run to Smythesdale between 9am and 12pm, and swing by Grenville on the last Thursday of the month, which replaces the Dereel stop.

Due to increased cleaning requirements it is possible the truck could run late at times.

For more information on operating hours, stopping location or other issues visit grlc.vic.gov.au.