Librarians making sure we can carry on reading

Libraries are for everyone.

Inclusion and accessibility are at the very heart of libraries' mission, and librarians play an essential role in facilitating the full participation of all people in society.

The safety of our community and staff is always our top priority and the additional challenges presented by Omicron and subsequent vaccination mandates, has meant that, from Monday, February 21, visitors to our libraries are required to show their vaccine pass on arrival.

With the increase in Covid cases locally and around the country, we have also put measures in place to ensure that the libraries can remain open in the event of staff isolation requirements or the building becoming a location of interest.

To achieve this, at each of our facilities, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ , Shannon Library and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, we have created two teams (bubbles) of staff so that if one team has to isolate we will still be able to open the library with the remaining team.

The changes introduced mean that from Monday, February 21, our libraries will operate under reduced hours.

This will enable our staff to continue to provide you with a quality, reliable and consistent service. Clearly, any decision to restrict services or close a library is a difficult one.

Given libraries' commitment to equality and equity, we have of course been working hard to continue to support all parts of the communities we serve, especially under current circumstances.

Our librarians have developed relationships with our regular library users and are aware of the impact that Covid19 and associated restrictions might be having on many of them.

We will have to continue thinking outside the box and offer library activities and services beyond physical walls and uphold those values that libraries are inclusive and accessible.

Our librarians are reaching out to everyone with our Homelink service to ensure everyone has the opportunity to continue to read.

We will select books based on your preferences and deliver books to your home using

Covid-19 safe protocols.

Register for our click, call and collect service.

It is available to all and it's easy to sign up, either through phone, email or our online form.

If you prefer to choose your own books, you can browse the catalogue and reserve items of your choice.

We can talk you through how to reserve items, which you can pick up, or we can drop off.

As always you can access our eLibrary which offers eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, movies and other digital media 24/7 and all for free.

Our contact details are below.

Like many of you, our staff are juggling several responsibilities and worries during this time so please be kind.

No one wants to go home feeling upset about not being able to help anyone find a great read.