Libraries start reopening with priority given to seniors and HSC students

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said Council’s priority is on staging a reopening of the libraries while ensuring customer safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fairfield City Council has developed COVID-19 safety plans to ensure your safety.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents is still our top priority. I thank everyone for their hard work in helping reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our community and for their patience as we reopen our library services in stages,” Mayor Carbone said.

“I am pleased that we are able to move to a stage where library customers will once again be able to enter our library branches to experience and use the well-loved facilities.

“As part of our reopening plan, we will set aside an hour each morning specifically for seniors and those at higher risk of COVID-19, if they prefer to visit during this time. It is to provide them with reassurance but of course they are welcome to visit at other times during the day.

“We will also prioritise study space bookings for HSC students, who are in the lead-up to their exams,” Mayor Carbone said.

“We will be following required social distancing restrictions and implementing measures to ensure everyone has an opportunity to use the facilities.”

Safety measures include:

Self-checkout of library items 9.30-10.30am set aside for only seniors (60+ years) and those at heightened risk against COVID-19 In person or online bookings required for computer services and study space. Bookings limited to one hour with priority given to HSC students Table seating will be available for limited use Returned items will be disinfected and quarantined for 36 hours Some libraries may need to close for a clean during the day

“We know residents love and need access to our amazing collections for leisure, for work and for study,” Mayor Carbone said.

“It is fantastic that we will be able to see library customers once more in our branches.

“The libraries’ vast collection of ebooks, emagazines, movies, learning apps and databases remain available online.”

Library customers can also access ebooks including bestsellers, e-magazines and e-newspapers from nearly every country, stream thousands of movies and documentaries, play games, learn a language, or learn something with thousands of tutorials in nearly every subject 24/7 from the comfort of their home.

Council will continue to progressively open our libraries in stages to provide a safe transition.

Library customers can visit Bonnyrigg, Fairfield, Wetherill Park and Whitlam (Cabramatta) Library branches Monday to Friday, 9.30am-5pm and on Thursdays extended to 7pm. Fairfield and Whitlam libraries will also open Saturday 9.30am-4pm.

For more information please contact the library on 9725 0333, email or chat with our customer service team via www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/library.