Cultural Facilities to Start Phased Reopening

Coffs Harbour City Council’s libraries will begin a phased reopening of services from Monday, June 1, following the easing of restrictions by the NSW Government for some cultural facilities. The Regional Gallery and Museum will also reopen from Tuesday, June 9.

“The importance of all our cultural facilities to the community has really been underlined in this crisis with constant queries from the public over when we may be reopening,” said Roslyn Cousins, Council’s Library, Museum, Gallery and Cultural Services Team Leader.

“The online events and services we have been providing via the facilities’ respective websites and Facebook pages have all been extremely well-used and welcomed. We plan to continue offering online access to our collections and events during this phased reopening period.”

From Monday June 1, all three library branches will offer a ‘Select and Collect’ service. Customers will be able to reserve items from the online library catalogue, or over the phone, and call ahead to their designated branch to arrange a ‘pick up’ time from a designated ‘pick up’ station at the front of the branch. Pick up stations will have social distancing and hygiene measures in place. We ask that people not use the ‘Select and Collect’ service if they are feeling at all unwell. Access to the inside of all library buildings will remain closed for the time being.

In line with NSW Health protocols for infection control, all library items will be quarantined for 24 hours upon return and wiped down with disinfectant.

The Select and Collect service will operate from:

Toormina and Woolgoolga Libraries           9.30am – 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Harry Bailey Memorial Library                      9.30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.

All branches                                                     9.30am – 12noon, Saturday.

Council is also reopening the Regional Museum and Regional Gallery from June 9. In line with NSW Government advice, free entry to these facilities will be managed via an online ticketing system. Details on booking a visit will be made available on the facilities’ respective websites from June 9  – www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/museum or www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/gallery

Social distancing and hygiene measures will be in place when they reopen. Again, in accordance with NSW Government directives, no face-to-face public programs are being conducted, including exhibition openings, but the current online services and events will continue.

For information about changes to Council services and facilities, visit our Coronavirus Update page on our website. Council will continue to monitor advice from the NSW and Federal Health Departments and will keep the community updated with all changes to our operations including when community halls and theatres can reopen.