It has been announced this afternoon that despite the change in restrictions, all Richmond Tweed Regional Library branches and the Mobile Library will be offering free Click & Collect and online services only from today until December 1.
Library Management’s decision is based on a balance between meeting the requirements of the Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021 commencing 11 October, and delivering quality services to library members.
Acting Regional Library Manager Lucy Kinsley said that it was a difficult decision to make but one that provided the most equitable service to our community. ‘This decision will be reviewed if the NSW Public Health Order is changed.’
During this period there will be no access to PCs, face-to-face programs are cancelled, printing services are unavailable, and there is no physical browsing of the collections.
‘Library members can access the free Click & Collect services by visiting the library website or app and placing reservations on items of their choosing, or alternatively, staff can select items on a particular theme, topic, or genre for you,’ said Ms Kinsley.
‘Contact your local branch to arrange a Staff Selection or book a time to collect your Click & Collect items.
‘The Online library is always open, providing access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and more.’
The Research & Family History Centre will remain closed until 1 December.
Details on accessing Click & Collect and the online services are available from www.rtrl.nsw.gov.au or by phone.
Recent stories, information and updates regarding COVID-19
Let’s not forget that Covid-19 is still a big issue in our community with 31,935 cases reported across Australia in the last week – an average of 4,562 cases per day. The Global Carbon Budget is about to be refreshed, giving the world a critical insight into how efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are (or are not) progressing. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport from tomorrow, Wednesday 21 September. SW Police are urging festival-goers at this weekend’s music festival to celebrate in a safe and responsible manner, whilst also being aware of COVID-Safety measures. The Northern NSW Local Health District reports that to 4pm yesterday, Sunday May 22, there were 40 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU. The AEC says that voters who have recently tested positive for COVID-19 will be able to phone in their vote in the federal election. The Northern NSW Local Health District says that to 4pm yesterday, 15 May, 384 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the District, including 82 positive PCR tests and 302 positive rapid antigen tests. Volunteering Australia says volleys are the backbone of the country in times of crisis and emergency. Today there are 41 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with none of these in ICU. The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) reports that there are 37 COVID-19 positive patients in hospital in Northern NSW, with one of these in ICU.
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As we stroll through the pages of life, that life and the living of that life can be an open book and can be quirky and novel as a James A Michener novel. There is the cover and the cover story and about that jovial and creepy chap and the chapter one after the cover that can be glossy as a ruby-red lipsticked doll with statistics or he-manly, masculine and bossy. It depends on just what you want to lose yourself in and hug.
Maybe we will never know unless we read between the lines, the lies and the bedsheets of what lies under that book cover, my lover.
Don’t buy a book, go to a library, peruse the shelves and saunter down the senuous aisle of books until you come to the one that fits you like a glove and be at liberty to give your heart to be won, and to know that Richmond-Tweed Libraries are open for click and collect until December 1.
Pity that the elderly without internet or mobile phones are now effectively locked out of our local libraries until December 1st. Where is the equity in this decision, given that lockdowns have been removed statewide since Monday morning?
This is such a weird decision! Open the libraries for heavens sake!!! Is this to protect staff from having to police the vaccination status stuff? Just say so, if so. It seems not quite true to talk about this as an equity issue, especially given the comment above re’ elderly people etc.
What the hell?
We close libraries to provide “equitable service?”
Thats a Gold Medal piece of Orwellian double-speak.
How does closing our libraries offer “the most equitable service to our community”? It caters for a handful of nutters who believe any conspiracy theory they can find. The rest of us are excluded from an important service.
If this is indeed about protecting the staff from abuse, it’s probably quite a reasonable move. But I agree with Sally, if this is the reason just say so – don’t dress it up in some sort of nod to “rights”. It’s not about equity it’s about intimidation of the library staff.
People know the rules. The library staff didn’t make them so why do people think it’s OK to abuse them? It’s a form of violence and has resulted in a service that is much valued by many being unavailable to anybody. So much for the peace and love exhortations of those who decry the fear campaign
I wonder for how many of those responsible, it’s been their first trip to a library in some time. For how many is the attraction another “Look at me – I’m downtrodden because I’m enlightened” opportunity.
The sad fact is that a few badly behaved people are depriving the rest of the community of a much needed service. The anger should be directed at them, not the library service. Some local businesses have also decided to remain closed rather than deal with abuse. I have witnessed some of this abusive behaviour and it can be very threatening, especially if you’re the sole staff member on duty.
NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO TOLERATE ABUSE WHILE DOING THEIR JOB!!
Do ratepayers want to pay higher rates to employ fulltime security to keep staff and customers safe?
We’re still in the middle of a world wide pandemic with more cases in this region than ever. If only those who carry on about their rights to ‘freedom’ and ‘respect’ showed the same respect for others rights to go about their daily work without having their lives and freedom threatened by some who refuse to abide by health orders while subjecting others to abuse.
Very well put, Louise.