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City of Wollongong

Bring back your books, DVDs, CDs and magazines

Wednesday 27 May 2020

Library stacks
Image: Library staff member at shelves.

Now is the time to bring back your library books, magazines, DVDs and CDs.

While Wollongong City Libraries aren’t opening their doors – yet – preparation is underway for their reopening.

Part of this work includes a call-out for people to drop their library materials back through the external return chutes at all our libraries.

As staff are expecting an influx of returns, the request to start returning library materials now provides an opportunity for them to be quarantined for 24 hours, in line with the NSW Public Health Order.

“The State Government have some quite clear guidelines regarding library books and resources and this includes them being set aside for 24 hours before they can return to the shelves,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We’ve had a lot of books returned to our libraries during the closure period and what we’re hoping is that people can drop off their outstanding books before we get to the point where we’re reopening our libraries. This way staff will have the time to quarantine them, and get them on the shelves so that when we do reopen there’s a wealth of materials to choose from.’’

All Council’s libraries have external returns chutes that are open 24 hours.

“Our community has been really proactive in these challenging times and has supported our city’s most vulnerable,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“We need to continue to keep up this good work. Coronavirus continues to be a risk and a threat and we can’t be complacent about how we go about our modified daily activities.

“I’m sure a lot of people are keen to get back to our libraries – and we’re working through what that might look like. But if people are able to return outstanding library items early, it’ll help our dedicated staff continue to deliver the level of service our community knows, and appreciates.’’

While Council hasn’t a date to reopen our libraries – we are awaiting formal advice and updated NSW Public Health Orders that would outline the steps and measures we would need in place – we are making plans.

We are considering what measures we would need in place to ensure the health, safety and well being of our staff and volunteers, their families and the community, and would ensure any steps we take are in line with any updated NSW Public Heath orders.

“We will keep out community updated about any changes we’re making,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“There is one thing for certain, however. Things will look and feel a little different and I anticipate we’ll need measures in place like we have at our pools to manage the number of people and the length of time they’re at any of our libraries.’’

Visit our website for more information and updates on changes to Council’s services.


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