Visit the Library

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All of our libraries are open! You can visit the library to: 

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Collect your reservations

  • You can collect your own reservation at all library branches. Ask library staff if you need help finding the reservation shelf. 


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Browse and borrow

  • Please maintain a 1.5 metre distance from other browsers
  • If you prefer to be in and out of the library quickly, reserve your items in advance and we’ll let you know when they are ready for you to borrow


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Work, study and use Wi-Fi

  • Limited work and study tables are available, you may need to wait
  • To maintain physical distancing, tables with tape across them should not be used
  • Group study cannot be supported due to physical distancing requirements
  • Alcohol wipes to sanitise desks are available, please ask a staff member for this when you enter the library
  • Wireless printing is available
  • Library Wi-Fi can also be accessed outside all library branches


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Use a library computer

  • Computers are available for up to 75 minutes a day
  • Accessibility computers are available for up to two hours a day
  • Due to physical distancing requirements, staff are only able to offer very limited support from a distance of 1.5 metres
  • You are welcome to bring someone to help you with your use of the computer
  • Bookings can be made in branch or by calling 1300 655 355


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Use an express computer

  • For up to 30 minutes
  • No bookings although you may need to wait
  • Due to physical distancing requirements, staff are only able to offer very limited support from a distance of 1.5 metres


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Print, scan, photocopy

  • Our system is changing, so please speak to the computer assistance staff member for instructions
  • No bookings are required for scanning or photocopying although you may need to wait if another member is using the device
  • Wireless printing is available on laptops and mobile devices
  • Due to physical distancing requirements, staff are only able to offer very limited support from a distance of 1.5 metres

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Some items and services aren’t available

We appreciate your patience as we work to safely provide as many services as possible.

The following are not available:

  • Newspapers
  • Local and family history computers and microfiche
  • Laptops and iPads from the device kiosk at Reservoir Library
  • Gaming consoles
  • Water coolers
  • Meeting room bookings

For help accessing digital newspapers and magazines, or to continue your local or family history research from home, call us on 1300 655 355 or use the Ask a Librarian form.

 


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Conditions of Entry 

In addition to our general Conditions of Entry, you must follow these instructions to keep our community and staff safe from COVID-19: 

  • Masks are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended.
  • Stay 1.5 metres away from other people 
  • Sanitise your hands in the foyer 
  • Provide your name and phone number for contract tracing purposes 
  • Follow staff instructions and signage 
  • Not enter this building if you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms

Number of visitors: 

To keep within Government restrictions, while also considering how our visitors can safely move around our library spaces, we set the following caps for each branch: Fairfield: 40, Northcote: 90, Preston: 100, Reservoir: 70

 

End to extended due dates: please return or renew now

Now restrictions have significantly eased, our rolling extension of due dates has ended. Please check your library account - via the Darebin Libraries app or our website - for the due date of any items you have on loan.

Returns are available 24/7. During opening hours returns are accepted inside our libraries, once we are closed returns will be via our after-hours return chutes.

If you need to renew items for another three weeks, you can do this in your library account or by calling us. If you need more time to return your items, please call us on 1300 655 355.

 

COVID relief approach to fines and charges 

Until further notice, overdue fines will not accrue. Existing fines will not prevent you from borrowing. Lost and damaged items will still be charged to your library account however, at this time, an outstanding charge will not prevent you from borrowing.

 


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Handling library items

Darebin Libraries do not quarantine or clean items on return.

  • We encourage you to practise good hand hygiene when handling library items
  • If you choose to sanitise plastic or plastic-coated covers, please use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes
  • Please do not apply heat to library items (including using a microwave) as this may cause injury to you and will damage our tracking tags
 


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Events and programming 

We are now offering a mix of online and in-person events. Events in library branches will be COVID Safe with limited capacity, bookings are essential. Find out about more about our regular events program and book your place in upcoming special events. You can also access our catalogue of past online events on our Facebook page (you do not need a Facebook account to view these videos).

 


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Library Locations and Hours


 Fairfield Library 
121 Station Street, Fairfield

Monday to Friday 
10am–5pm 

Saturday 
10am-4pm

Northcote Library
 32 – 38 Separation St, Northcote

Monday to Friday
10am–8pm

Saturday
 10am-4pm 

Sunday
 1–5pm

Preston Library
 266 Gower St, Preston

Monday to Wednesday
 10am-8pm

Thursday
 10am-10pm

Friday
 10am-8pm

Saturday
 10am–4pm

Sunday
11am–5pm

Reservoir Library 
Reservoir Community and Learning Centre, 23 Edwardes St, Reservoir

Monday to Friday
10am–8pm

Saturday
10am–4pm