NEW CHAPTER FOR LIBRARIES

SOME libraries have partially opened this week, in line with the State Government’s New Public Health Order.

Castle Hill and Rouse Hill (Vinegar Hill) Libraries have opened with a range of new health and safety measures including sneeze guards around front counters and hand sanitiser at both the entry and exit of the library premises.

To ensure social distancing measures are adhered to, the number of people allowed in each of the libraries at any one time is limited to 40, including staff. If capacity is reached library members are asked to queue outside where there will be stickers indicating correct social distancing.

Hawkesbury Central Library in Windsor has opened with limited hours to offer a Click and Collect service to all library members Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm.

To operate within current COVID-19 safety guidelines for physical distancing and gatherings for the safety of staff and community members, a total of 16 people including staff will be allowed in Hawkesbury Central library at any one time.

Library members can pre-order items online or over the phone on 4560 4460 during library opening hours and pick them up by appointment only. The library will contact the member to arrange a suitable time to collect.

As Richmond Branch Library is a physically smaller it will not open for the time being.

Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Libraries will not be available for group or individual study, social groups or meetings of any kind. WIFI, printing and computer access will be unavailable during this time. Library events including JP services have also been postponed until further notice.

Hills Shire Mayor Michelle Byrne said while intense cleaning schedules had been put in place she encouraged people to use the new Click & Collect service, available at Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Libraries which enabled library members to borrow up to 10 items, and to also choose the time and day that they are available to collect from the Customer Service Desk.

Library members can access the Click & Collect service via The Hills Shire Library App, which is FREE and available for download on Google Play or in the App Store.

Members can also access the library’s digital collection, which includes a range of eBooks, audio books, magazines and much more. Library events, including Baby Bounce, are available online and can be viewed via The Hills Shire Library Service’s Facebook page,www.facebook.com/thehillsshirelibraryservice/.

Library members over the age of 65 years and older can also sign-up for the FREE Stay Home and Read Delivery Service. Participants will be provided with a selection of up to 10 items delivered to their door every four weeks. For details and eligibility please visit, www. thehills.nsw.gov.au/Library, or call the Library on 9761 4520.