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Dunedin Public Libraries
 

All our libraries are open!

Dunedin Public Libraries —

Thursday 21 May

Our opening hours and the services we provide are limited, but you are able to return and borrow books, DVDs and other library items. 

Scanning and photocopying facilities, and free wifi, are available and customers are able to search the library catalogue. The library’s free public access internet computers are not available, nor are newspapers. Our Home Services programme is operating. 

In line with other DCC facilities, we have new processes in place for contact tracing, to manage queues and to limit the number of visitors inside the libraries at any one time. We want to cater for as many people as we can so we’re asking customers to keep their visit to a maximum of 30 minutes. 

To make it easier to provide your details for contact tracing, download the Rippl app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before you visit the library. If you don’t have a smartphone or are unable to download the app, you will need to provide your contact details to staff.

People who have been unwell in the last 48 hours, are self-isolating for COVID-19 or who have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for their test result should delay their visit. Unaccompanied children under 14 years old should also not visit the library at this time. 


Opening hours

(people aged 65 years and older will be given priority access during the first hour of opening)

City Library

Monday – Friday 10am-4pm, 

Saturday 11am-3pm

Max 100 people. Ground, first and second floors available only.

South Dunedin Library

Tuesday – Friday 11am-4pm

Max 13 people

Mosgiel Library

Monday – Friday 10am-4pm

Max 70 people

Port Chalmers Library

Monday – Friday 10am-4pm
Max 26 people

Blueskin Bay Library

Monday – Friday 10am-2pm

Max 17 people

Waikouaiti Library

Monday – Friday 10am-2pm

Max 15 people


We are still not able to operate the bookbuses as we cannot provide safe physical distancing. 

Under Alert Level 2, we are not able to offer any of our public programmes on site, but we continue to offer a range of programmes digitally. To access the reference service for our heritage collections, please email library@dcc.govt.nz or phone 474 3690.

We will waive overdue charges from 22 March to 30 June 2020.

You don’t have to come into the libraries for something new to read – we continue to offer a wide range of digital services.


FAQs FOR LIBRARIES RE-OPENING

Is it safe for me to come back into the library?

Everything has been done to make the library as safe a place to visit as possible. All our library buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and all equipment checked before re-opening.

We are limiting the number of customers in the libraries at any one time so people can observe physical distancing. In the City Library, only the ground, first and second floors will be open.

Contact tracing is in place at all libraries, and customers must either use the Rippl app or provide their contact details to staff.

Hand sanitiser is available at entrances/exits and we request that you use it before entering the library. Library surfaces are being cleaned regularly during the day. Some shared resources like jigsaws and toys have been temporarily removed and we are promoting contactless payment transactions wherever possible.

People who have been unwell in the last 48 hours, are self-isolating for COVID-19 or who have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting for their test result should delay their visit. Unaccompanied children under 14 years old should also not visit the library at this time.

Why are you doing contact tracing?

Contact tracing is in place at all DCC facilities to help protect visitors, staff and contractors.

Visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/contact-tracing for more information on how contact tracing works and how we are keeping your personal information safe.

Are returned library items being quarantined?

No. Ministry of Health advice is that returned library items present a low risk and that it is safe for them to be reshelved without a quarantine period. If you are concerned, you can wash and dry your hands/use hand sanitiser when using library items at home for the first couple of days.

How long will I have to queue for to get into to the library?

We do expect the libraries to be very busy, especially in the first few days of re-opening. Please be patient and perhaps come back another day if there are a lot of people waiting.

At the City Library, our staff will be talking to people as they queue to see if there’s anything we can help with which means customers don’t need to physically visit the building.

To help us meet demand at all our libraries, we’re asking people to keep their visits to a maximum of 30 minutes.

Library members can continue to access a wide range of eBooks, audiobooks and magazines from home via our website if they prefer.

Are there any special arrangements for older people?

People aged 65 years and older will be given priority access during the first hour of opening every day, at each of our libraries.

Can I return items through the library chutes?

Yes. The return chutes opened on Tuesday, 19 May.

Are the usual library entrances open?

In order to manage access to the libraries in a way that keeps our customers safe, each community library will have only one entrance/exit. If you are visiting the City Library please use the main door from the Plaza. Disability access is available.

Why can’t I access all the usual services? When will I be able to?

While a lot of our services are available, unfortunately there are still some services which we can’t provide at Alert Level 2. This includes services where we can’t safely manage physical distancing, such as Storytime sessions for children, but these are still available digitally.

We plan to restart many of our programmes and events at Level 1, but that is still be confirmed.

Can I still put items on hold?

Yes. You are welcome to put a hold on an item in the usual way and we will let you know when it is ready to be picked up. Please note that usual hold charges will apply.

Can I use the library to study?

At the moment we are operating under reduced opening hours, with the main focus on short visits for borrowing and returning library items. Unfortunately, that means areas such as desks, which are used by people staying for longer periods, are not available at this stage.

Are your Home Services operating?

Yes. We restarted our Home Services programme at Alert Level 2. This programme helps people who have difficulty visiting the library, perhaps because of an illness or disability, access all library resources, including large print and talking books, music, magazines and DVDs. To join or find out more please email us at library@dcc.govt.nz or phone 03 474 3681.

I would prefer not to touch items such as the library self-serve kiosks. Can library staff help me?

Yes, library staff will be able to help you with borrowing and payments.

Are Justices of the Peace available?

No. Justices of the Peace (JPs) will not be back in libraries until Level 1.