18 May, 2020

Two City of Adelaide libraries reopen

In great news for library lovers, the Hutt Street library and the North Adelaide Community Centre and Library (library only) have now reopened, providing the community with an opportunity to browse, borrow, and access some of the computers.

Click, Call and Collect will also continue to be available for those who need to stock up on things to watch and read.

Click, Call and Collect enables customers to request items such as books, magazines and DVDs from the online library catalogue and then collect them from a safe distance from the Hutt Street Library or North Adelaide Community Centre and Library.

Return chutes at the City Library, Hutt Street Library and North Adelaide Community Centre and Library are also now open, making it easy for contactless, safe returns.

Existing Home Library Service customers will receive a further ‘Drop and Wave’ of library items to their door-step, as well as a pick-up service for returns.

The South West Community Centre opened its doors today, Monday 18 May and is offering public computer access. All other community centres remain temporarily closed.

Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor said that being able to reopen some City of Adelaide community facilities was great news.

“Our library and community centre teams have conducted in-depth risk assessments and worked hard to understand how we can reintroduce these services to ensure safety for all users while meeting the stage one conditions of easing COVID-19 restrictions,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Our libraries and community centres are much-loved by the people who use them and are important places of community connection and friendship for many regulars.

“While we are unable to open all our community centres and libraries at the moment, there are some exciting online library services that people can continue to enjoy - make sure you check out the program.

“We look forward to reopening all of our libraries and community centres and welcoming back our visitors soon.”

The new conditions allow ten people in a facility at any one time. To reduce waiting times, bookings are encouraged and available in 60-minute time slots. Bookings can be made by either calling Hutt Street Library on 8203 7985, North Adelaide Community Centre and Library on 8203 7297, or email
[email protected]. There will be a 15-minute break between each booking for cleaning. Should there be less than ten people in the facility at any particular time, walk-ins will be welcome.

Social distancing, cleaning and hygiene, appropriate signage and the many other factors to keep our community and employees safe will be implemented.

Currently restrictions do not allow for any library or community centre programs to run, but there are many online programs available, such as Science Club, Family Story Time and Art Talks online. There is also a new series of programs steaming live on the Adelaide City Libraries Facebook page.

Many people have been enjoying the 24/7 virtual library service. It is available anywhere, anytime and includes thousands of free ebooks, magazines, movies, music and other databases.

Please note the City Library in Rundle Mall remains temporarily closed.

To find out more about current library services and to sign up to the monthly POP enewsletter, visit the Library Services.

Paula Stevens