Libraries invite readers to check out lower COVID restrictions

LIBRARIES across the Geelong region will have looser COVID-19 restrictions over the hotter months, in line with the state government’s COVIDSafe Summer guidelines.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the new level of restrictions earlier in December, and the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) has made several changes as a result, which are now in effect at all GRLC library branches and mobile libraries, as well as at the Geelong Heritage Centre.

Face covering are no longer required to be worn by visitors or staff, however as per state government directives, face coverings should be carried whenever leaving the home and worn when social distancing can’t be maintained.

Library collection items will no longer be quarantined on return. The removal of the quarantine will mean that collection items will become available for borrowing sooner.

Visitor limits now in place may be increased in some branches in the coming days. The GRLC will share more information on its website when these changes come into effect.

The GRLC says it has prioritised the health and safety of the community and staff during the pandemic and will continue to so, with strict cleaning and hygiene processes in place.

GRLC chief executive officer Patti Manolis said she was delighted to see libraries moving closer towards a “new normal” as the state begans to open up in time for summer.

“After such a difficult year, it is wonderful to be able to safely remove some further restrictions in our libraries as we head into the holiday period.

“We thank our communities for the patience they have shown as we have adjusted our service throughout the pandemic. There have been many changes to navigate, but we are proud to have been able to continue to deliver a high quality service to our library members throughout the year: online, via our Click & Collect and Click & Deliver services, and when possible, from our branches and Mobiles.

“COVID-19 has demonstrated just how important public library services are to our communities, and our staff are thrilled to have reopened doors and now to be able to return to a more familiar service in branches. We encourage everyone to head back to their local library to borrow, browse, and use the WiFi and computers.”

Time limits of two hours remain in library branches, and shorter limits may be enforced at times of high demand.

Libraries are still operating with temporarily shorter opening hours.

At this stage, library events and programs continue to be delivered online, but branches will begin to run limited in-person programs from this month.

For full and up-to-date information about library services and the GRLC’s response to coronavirus, head to grlc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.