Library Service Updates

Service Update - Wednesday 28 July

Darebin Libraries branches reopening Thursday 29 July 

The easing of State Government COVID-19 safety restrictions means that we will reopen all Darebin Libraries branches at 10am tomorrow, Thursday 29 July 2021.

Masks are mandatory inside libraries and all visitors must check in with the building QR code. If you don’t have a smart phone or need help checking in, staff will help you. We will also be limited to 100 visitors at the one time.

We will be open for our standard opening hours, which includes evenings and Saturdays at all branches, and Sundays at Reservoir, Preston, and Northcote Libraries. Our return chutes will be open after hours.

As well as access to books and other items, you can visit us to use free wifi, and we have library computers that you can use for up to 75 minutes a day. Printing, scanning and photocopying are also available for a small charge.

While we won’t return to face-to-face Storytime and Rhyme Time right away, you can still enjoy them online. Please check out our Facebook page to watch these videos (and enjoy our older recordings too). Please visit our Eventbrite page for details of all our other online events and to make bookings.

Northcote Library repairs: temporary change to entrance

Works have started on the repair of the front of Northcote Library. They are expected to take four more weeks. During this time, the entrance to the library will be located on the east side of the building, near Your Community Health. Please follow the signs.

The after-hours return chute will also be located on that side of the building, near the temporary entrance.

We aim to keep noise to a minimum, but due to the nature of these building works, we encourage those who need a quieter space to work or study to visit one of our other three libraries.

Please take care and we hope to see you at the library soon!


Service Update - Friday 16 July

Darebin Libraries are currently closed 

Darebin Libraries branches will be closed for the duration of the Victorian snap lockdown due to Coronavirus. We will reopen branches when it is safe to do so, pending advice from the State Government.

Our return chutes will also be closed during this time. All current physical loans have been extended for an additional week, so please continue to enjoy these items for the duration of lockdown. 

Items awaiting collection will be held for an additional 10 days beyond the lockdown.

While our branches are closed, you can access our digital library from home. Here you will find eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, digital magazines and newspapers, film streaming and more. Or, you can access these resources with the Darebin Libraries app. For assistance with the digital library or app, please call 1300 655 355, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Our online events, like Conversation Café, Storytime and Rhyme Time, will continue, however in-person events have been cancelled or postponed.

Please take care and we look forward to being able to welcome you back into our branches when it’s safe to do so. You can visit our website or facebook page for updates.

Service Update - Wednesday 30 June 2021

Overdue fines have returned 

We care about how this decision may impact our community, and while overdue fines are back for now, we won’t stop our members from borrowing if they have money owing from overdue fines. However, we do encourage you to make payments on money owing, as this will reduce what you owe in the future. Any amount can be paid and if you are experiencing financial difficulty, please let us know so we can discuss your options. We also always encourage you to bring your books back on time. More info.

Service Update - Tuesday 25 May

Following the Victorian Government announcement, masks are currently mandatory in our libraries unless exempted by law.

Service Update - Tuesday 23 March

Please familiarise yourself with recent changes to our delivery of services: 

• Library visitors are asked to check themselves in to the library using the Services Victoria app and QR codes at the entrance to each of our library. There will no longer be a staffed welcome desk. If you are having difficulty checking in, please see a library staff member who will be happy to assist. 
  
• You can now collect your own reservation at all library branches. Ask one of our friendly library staff members if you need help finding the reservation shelf.
• During library opening hours after hours chutes will be closed and returns will be accepted inside library branches. When libraries are closed, the after hours chutes will be available. 
• Library members are encouraged to clean computer equipment prior to use using the wipes available at our computer stations. 

Need more information? 

If you need to contact us, please call 1300 655 355, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You can also send us a request or message us through our Facebook page.

Visit Darebin City Council website for information about other Council services.

To find out more about COVID-19, please visit the DHHS website

Are there fines at the moment?
Overdue fines have returned. 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. More info here.

How can I return my items? 
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. 

Can I reserve an item? 
Reservations are available through the library catalogue. Log in with your library membership number and 6 digit PIN. 

Are meeting rooms available?
Meeting rooms are currently available. 

When will library programs, like Storytime and Rhyme Time, resume?

While we won’t return to face-to-face events, Storytime and Rhyme Time right away, you can still enjoy them online. Please check out our Facebook page to watch these videos (and enjoy our older recordings too). Please visit our Eventbrite page for details of all our other online events and to make bookings.