The five branches and five library depots in Campaspe Shire closed temporarily on March 25 in line with Federal Government directives and have no set date to reopen.
However, council has said it is currently working through arrangements after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced libraries would be permitted to open from 11.59pm on May 31.
When libraries initially closed, Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Declan Moore said maintaining essential services to the community was council’s priority however as the pandemic unfolded, what services were essential had changed.
“The Campaspe Library branches and depots closed … in line with the direction from the Federal Government around reducing the spread of COVID -19. Like all directions, this was subsequently gazetted,” he said.
“The community has access to a number of library online resources through the library’s website. This has been communicated through media releases, our website, advertising and social media.”
This includes access to the online resource ‘BorrowBox’ and RB Digital which offers ebooks, eAudio and eMagazines and access to the online book club, virtual stories and ‘StoryBox’ library.
Other library services were adapted including the continuation of a Books on Wheels service with alternate delivery arrangements, regular phone calls to Library Link home-based clients in place of their one to one visits and access to online resources such as Ancestry.com and the Health and Wellness Platform for all library members.
“No further directions regarding the ability for libraries to re-open had been received until the Victorian Premier’s announcement on Sunday, May 24, with libraries permitted to open from May 31 at 11.59pm,” Mr Moore said.
“We are now working through the details of the announcement and will shortly advise the community about changes to this service and other services.”
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