Libraries and galleries will be allowed to reopen from Sunday June, 1 under an easing of coronavirus restrictions by the NSW Government although strict protocols will remain in place.
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Council's general manager Fiona Plesman said this is another step forward in the reopening of Council's community facilities.
"Our libraries play an important role in the community as a safe place for learning, reading and social engagement and many will be pleased to see them, and other community facilities, reopen," she said.
Muswellbrook and Denman libraries reopen on June 1 and the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre and Visitor Information Centre on June 2. To meet physical distancing requirements each facility will have instructional and directional signage displayed at the entry to guide users and some areas of the buildings will have limited access.
The number of visitors to each facility will be managed by an appointment system to ensure equitable use of assets and services at each site and to allow for the collection of user details, as required by the Public Safety Order. Artist workshops, exhibitions, author visits, book clubs and story time sessions will continue, or commence, in an online capacity.
NSW Health guidelines, to ensure community facilities operate in a COVID-19 safe way, include:
- exclusion of staff and visitors who are unwell
- limiting the number of guests to allow for 4 square metres per person
- providing distance markers for people queuing at service points
- ensuring adequate hand washing facilities and/or sanitiser
- no groups and tours
- enhanced cleaning
- 48 hour quarantine of returns for libraries.
To make an appointment call: Muswellbrook Library 6549 1913; Denman Library 6547 2208 Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre 6549 3800; Visitor Information Centre 6549 3891
