As the ACT moves closer to COVID normal, our libraries are coming back to life with sorely missed services readjusting to in-person.
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Jaz Beer, the branch coordinator for Belconnen, has been a librarian for 12 years, and says the joy of getting back to normal is unbeatable.
"Helping families with kids and watching their faces light up when I find them the right book is the most rewarding thing and it is fantastic I can finally do that again," Ms Beer said.
"As soon as we reopened regulars came right away, which has a huge impact on everyone, both customers and staff love the face to face interactions."
While Canberra's lockdown has lifted, Libraries ACT is still operating under limited hours due to COVID safety measures.
The gradual reopening means community groups, legal services and book clubs are not yet available in-person, leading to a hybrid service for customers.
Vanessa Little, the executive branch manager of Libraries ACT says this is mainly due to the health advice for staff operations.
"Currently, most staff are anchored to one branch," Ms Little said.
"Our system involves keeping staff in bubbles, so while they usually move around different branches, the COVID safety measures involve preventing crossover which makes it harder for us to have normal operating hours."
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In addition, the Woden branch remains closed due to construction supplies being delayed in Sydney.
"We're hoping to open Woden in early December, members are eager to use the branch's services again. Last week we had an elderly gentleman standing outside the library to use our wifi, which shows how much people rely on our services," Ms Little said.
While the gradual reopening is difficult for some, Ms Beer says even the limited time makes things much better compared to the COVID period.
"We had to get really creative with lockdown through moving community groups and book clubs online, so gradually going back to in person is definitely a positive."
"For both customers and staff the limited opening hours has undoubtedly been a frustration. My workload has become much larger than before but it's nice to finally be doing physical work since lockdown has lifted."
The opening times for Libraries ACT are:
- Gungahlin, Belconnen, Dickson and Tuggeranong libraries are open Wednesday to Friday 10am - 5.30pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm and Sunday 12pm - 4pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Kingston, Civic, Erindale and Kippax are open Wednesday to Friday 10am - 5.30pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm. They are closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays.
- Woden remains closed but is aiming to reopen early December depending on construction delays.
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Olivia Ireland
Olivia is a reporter for the Canberra Times. She has covered federal politics and public sector, court and crime, local news, arts, education and business. Olivia started as an intern in August 2021 and began her career with the Times after completing her studies in November 2021.
Olivia is a reporter for the Canberra Times. She has covered federal politics and public sector, court and crime, local news, arts, education and business. Olivia started as an intern in August 2021 and began her career with the Times after completing her studies in November 2021.
