Ipswich City Council is implementing a phased approach to re-opening the city’s services, with libraries to be the first to open the doors on Saturday.
Council is carefully adhering to health advice, with the first phase of opening strictly limited to the borrowing and returning of items.
“We’ll still have to ensure we stick to physical distancing guidelines, which means only 10 people will be allowed in the library at any given time,” Deputy Mayor Marnie Doyle said.
“When council initially closed libraries at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the borrowing limits on books and DVDs were extended until the end of June.
“That means there’s no rush to return books and DVDs.
“But we do understand people will be looking to get some fresh reading and viewing, so all we ask is for people to be patient while we stick to the social distancing requirements.”
Cr Doyle said public internet PCs, Makerspace, X-Box, meeting rooms, and library programs and events would be phased in as restrictions were further eased.
“There won’t be any seating available in the early stage of re-opening, so we ask people to choose the items they want to borrow quickly,” Cr Doyle said.
“This will allow anybody in the queue to have their turn.”
Cr Doyle said one of the positives to come out of the shut-down has been the increased use of the libraries’ digital services at www.ipswichlibraries.com.au
“People have been reading magazines online, borrowing eBooks and participating in regular virtual story-time with their children. They’re just a few of the things which will likely become the new normal as libraries continue to evolve,” she said.
Council’s easing of restrictions is being staged in accordance with the conditions and timeframes directed by the State Government, as announced by the Premier.
Council will continue to be guided by the National Cabinet and the State Government in relation to COVID-19 as the health and well-being of our community remains the number one priority.
