CENTRAL Victorian libraries will reopen from Thursday as the regions move further out of the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Goldfields Library Corporation chief executive Mark Hands said while libraries could reopen straight away, the organisation needed some time to prepare.
"We have had calls asking when we're open," Mr Hands said. "People are really keen to get back to the library.
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"We just need a couple of days to restore the rosters and set up the buildings properly. Then we will be ready to go."
As part of the new COVID-safe rules, no more than 10 people will be allowed to gather in a space in the library.
Additional cleaning and record-keeping measures will also be required at the sites.
Mr Hands said the libraries previously offered a pick-up service where residents could loan books without entering the library.
He said while the new changes meant residents could browse or sit in the library to read, events like storytime would not be returning just yet.
"We still can't have people gathering for events," Mr Hands said. "We will still be running those things online and they will be available on our YouTube channel.
"We can run an outdoor event with 10 people so we're piloting the outdoor baby rhyme time in Castlemaine. People will have to book that on our website."
Mr Hands said all of the libraries would be following the COVID-safe guidelines outlined by the state government and health authorities.
He said staff were excited to have residents back in the libraries.
"I think there is a great sense of relief," he said. "We really want to welcome the community back. Regional Victoria has done a fantastic job in controlling the virus. We're ready to welcome our patrons back."
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