Libraries in Byron, Lismore, Tweed and Ballina Shires closing tomorrow

Published on 16 March 2020

Member Councils of Richmond Tweed Regional Library are taking a proactive approach in response to the unfolding situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and have made the decision to temporarily close all Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches from tomorrow as a preventative measure to support the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and the community.

Library branches in Lismore City, Ballina, Byron and Tweed Shires, including the Mobile Library, will be closed for two weeks, with the closure reviewed on a week-by-week basis after that.

Regional Library Manger Jo Carmody said that Member Councils made this decision as Council has a duty of care to its staff, library users and the community. Jo stressed that no staff member at any of the libraries had been diagnosed with Coronavirus.

The libraries have almost 30,000 visits per week with some of the bigger branches seeing visitor numbers in excess of 600 people per day many of whom are in the vulnerable age bracket.

 “Council has decided that with our high visitor numbers that closing all branches was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting staff, library users and slowing the spread of the virus within the community,” she said.

The eLibrary is open with access to books, magazines and audiobooks in downloadable digital formats from the RTRL website or Library App. Any renewals will now be for a six-week period rather than the normal three-week renewal period. Renewals can be made on the website, Library App or by phoning the library.

Staff will continue to work during the closures on behind the scenes projects and will be available via phone to answer any library questions, renew items or assist with access to the online eLibrary.

For more information contact Jo Carmody, Richmond Tweed Regional Library Manager on 6625 5100 or [email protected].