Hamilton’s six library branches will reopen to the public on Tuesday 2 June.
Hamilton City Libraries remained virtually open throughout the different COVID-19 alert levels for eBorrowing and other online services, but customers have not been able to physically browse the shelves since 22 March.
Libraries Director Stephen Pennruscoe says staff are looking forward to welcoming customers back inside the central and suburban libraries.
“Visiting the local library to return books and choose new ones is an important routine for a lot of people who are lifelong library users. We’ve been encouraging customers to access our eBooks and eAudiobooks and the fact that loans of these items more than doubled during Alert Level 4 shows there’s great interest.
“I’m sure people who may not otherwise have tried our eCollections now see the process is uncomplicated and positive. But there’s something about physically handling books that readers still really love.”
Hamilton City Libraries partially reopened on 15 May for returns and collection of book packs ordered through a new Click and Collect service. Collection has been contactless from the library doors.
Mr Pennruscoe says Click and Collect has been a resounding success and will still be available.
“Throughout this time, we’ve been impressed with our customers’ willingness to try new ways of using the library. We’ve distributed almost 10,000 books through Click and Collect in just two weeks. It’s exciting to see how customers are responding to innovations.”
Reduced hours at all branches will continue when the libraries fully reopen on Tuesday. The new hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm. All branches are closed on Sundays.
The reduced hours reflect the fact staff are still processing a considerable volume of returns. Almost 60,000 items were out on loan when the libraries closed their doors. So far, around half have been returned. The loan period for these items has been extended to 30 June and they will start incurring fines after that date.
Mr Pennruscoe says customers will need to either scan a QR code using their cellphone or provide contact details to staff as they enter branches for tracing purposes.
Library staff will be monitoring numbers to make sure customers can move around comfortably while practising physical distancing. Customers will be encouraged to keep their visits to under 30 minutes.
“At busier times, people may have a short wait outside until someone leaves, just so we can make sure we are keeping staff and customers safe. Our popular computers will be available for use, with distancing measures in place and staff cleaning computer stations regularly.”
The free Wi-Fi service funded by Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa will also resume from Tuesday.
The libraries’ Wriggle and Rhyme, Storytime, The Lab and Lego Mindstorms public programmes will resume shortly and will be promoted on the Hamilton City Libraries website and Facebook page. Customers are asked to register in advance and numbers will be limited.