Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will begin re-opening library services from Monday 25 May 2020, with reduced hours and, a new 'Reserve and Collect' process. The re-openings will not include mobile library services at this stage.
TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was committed to re-opening facilities as soon as practical; however, acknowledged this would need to be through a staged-process to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and residents.
"The staged re-opening of library buildings will be different to what residents are used to but this is necessary to help everyone comply with the updated health restrictions," Mayor Antonio said.
"The 'Reserve and Collect' service is an innovation that allows the library user to reserve items, such as books, magazines and DVDs, through the library's online catalogue or the MyTRLibrary APP.
"As reserved items become available for collection, customers will be alerted by their chosen notification method of email, phone call, text message, or letter.
"To minimise visits to the library, Council will increase the total items that a customer can borrow from 15 to 20 in this initial phase.
"Current social distancing requirements mean that customers may have to queue to collect their items.
"At this stage, current health precautions will see reduced library operating hours and some services such as the mobile library, in-branch borrowing and browsing, and the use of Public Computers are not available."
Environment and Community Committee portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said other library services and programs would be gradually re-introduced on a staged-basis, consistent with the State Government's Roadmap to Easing Restrictions.
"All return chutes will re-open, and customers can return their borrowed items. We also provide Wi-Fi access free to the public outside all libraries," he said.
"We thank the community for their continued patience during this unique time.
"Online membership is currently available for new members and provides access to the library's online resources.
"To join the library, all you have to do is complete the Online Membership form available on the 'Using Your Library' page on the library's website.
"Our e-library resources continue to be available to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"Council will continue to update the community on the status of services and facilities that are affected by State and Federal health directives."
