CENTRAL Victorian libraries are planning to reopen within two weeks after the state government eased COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings.
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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday announced libraries would be allowed to open from 11.59pm on May 31.
Goldfields Library Corporation chief executive Mark Hands said from June 1, the region's libraries would be reopening for a limited 'Click and Collect' service.
He said this would allow patrons to pick up items they had reserved before and during the lockdown.
Then from June 9, all of the library buildings will re-open to allow 20 community members in the space at any one time.
Mr Hands said visits would be capped at 30 minutes so as people as possible could have access to the library.
"We're really excited to see people," he said. "We know there will be a lot of grateful patrons.
"All we're going to ask is for the patrons to follow the restrictions and be respectful of the changes."
Mr Hands said the libraries would increase their cleaning processes to ensure the health and safety of staff and patrons.
"We will also be quarantining books," he said. "Anything that is returned can only be returned through the library shoots.
"We then won't put that item back out for three days. That allows for the book collection to rest and means there will be minimal touch.
"We know that means some people will have to wait those extra days for their book but we're really just making sure everyone is safe."
The Goldfields Library Corporation increased its virtual experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, including offering more e-books, e-audio, and online storytimes.
Mr Hands said those initiatives would continue even as library begin to reopen.
"We won't stop what we're offering online," he said. "It has been a crucial way that people can access the service."
Mr Hands encouraged the community to stay up to date with the latest information on the Goldfields Library Corporation website and Facebook page.
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