GANNAWARRA Library Service branches reopened last Wednesday, following an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Libraries manager Mesh Thomson was excited at the prospect of patrons searching the shelves for the first time since she started her role with the Gannawarra Library Service in late August.
Library members have been restricted to online resources and a click and collect service, with branches closed to the public since the start of August.
Programs officer Pia Frisby was also on hand for the reopening, having run online Stay at Home Storytime and Rhyme Time sessions throughout both COVID-enforced closure periods, something she is continuing to do.
While branches were closed, staff soldiered on, completing a range of tasks such as cataloguing duties and adding to the local history section.
Kerang local Merril Scriven welcomed the news she was able to visit the library again.
“I’m delighted because I’m an avid reader and in a previous life I was a librarian,” Ms Scriven said.
“It’s a morale booster for a lot of people who are like me, avid readers, and for parents who want to have something for their kids and it’s going to be really good for the kids to be able to go to the library and get a wide variety of reading material.”
Ms Scriven said library staff became friends and she enjoyed chatting to them and was always greeted by name.
Although staff members were equally delighted to welcome the public back, COVID precautions mean it won’t be a normal library experience yet, with lengthy stays currently discouraged.
The number of patrons allowed in branches at once will be limited.
Those attending Gannawarra libraries will be asked to provide their contact details to assist with contact tracing, use hand sanitiser and ensure they maintain the 1.5 metre social distancing requirement.
If returning items, please do so via the external chutes.
Operating hours for library branches have been altered to allow sufficient time for cleaning.
For more information, please visit gsc.vic.gov.au/libraries or phone the Sir John Gorton Library on 5452 1546.
Current Gannawarra Library Service branch hours
Cohuna Library – 12.30pm-4pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from Wednesday, October 21.
Sir John Gorton Library, Kerang – 11am-3pm Monday to Friday from Wednesday, October 21.
Leitchville Library – 2pm-4.30pm Tuesday from Tuesday, October 27.
Quambatook Library – 9.30am-4pm Monday, 10am-4pm Wednesday and 9.30am-12 noon Friday from Wednesday, October 21.
