Macquarie Regional Library (MRL) is increasing its operating hours, including Saturdays, and will offer additional services following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayor of the Dubbo Region Ben Shields said he was pleased to see the facility returning to the ‘new normal’.
“I know how much locals have been missing the library while it was closed and for some people who work long hours or live out of town, it isn’t possible for them to visit during the week so they will now be able to visit on a Saturday,” said Councillor Shields.
“Library staff have done a fantastic job assisting residents during COVID-19, including starting Book Express, a contactless home delivery service. Now there will be more opportunities for people to access the high-quality assistance they know and love when they step back into the library,” said Councillors Shields.
Manager of Macquarie Regional Library, Kathryn McAlister said staff are excited to see so many readers back at the library borrowing and enjoying the library space.
“Staff at MRL thoroughly enjoy interacting with our members, it was a very unusual experience working in the library without our guests,” Ms McAlister said. “I speak on behalf of all of our team when I say we were very happy to welcome everyone back at the library.”
“It is fantastic to be able to reintroduce popular services to our communities. We were limited in what services we could offer in order to reduce community transmission, however, we can now start to offer public computers, photocopying, printing and scanning services again at MRL.”
Dubbo and Wellington libraries will reopen on Saturdays from 4 July 2020. The Dubbo branch will open at reduced hours from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Wellington library from 10:00 am -12 noon.
To ensure a safe customer environment, public computers will be cleaned after each use and time limits may be required. Returned items will continue to be cleaned and quarantined, and social distancing measures continue to apply.
For more information, please check the library’s website http://www.mrl.nsw.gov.au and social media for updates.
Image: Manager of the Macquarie Regional Library, Kathryn McAlister with library member Zacharie Diotte.
Source: DRC