Mildura and Wentworth libraries implement coronavirus measures

MILDURA Rural City Council (MRCC) and Wentworth Shire Council have cancelled or suspended a range of programs and events throughout their services.

It follows recommendations from the Australian Government to cancel non-essential, organised events due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

MRCC Libraries and Wentworth Shire Libraries suspended their programs and activities until further notice.

This included programs and activities such as story time, author talks, twilight craft, social sewing and baby bounce.

Mildura Arts Centre cancelled Twilight this Friday, Youth Services Mildura cancelled its school holiday program due to start on March 30 and MRCC cancelled two Playgroup Week events meant to be held in Langtree Mall and Barclay Square in Red Cliffs on March 23 and 24.

MRCC said in a statement that it was taking these steps as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of coronavirus in the community.

The public can still access certain services at both MRCC Libraries and Wentworth Shire Libraries.

Wentworth Shire Libraries increased the maximum loans limit from 10 to 20 and the number of renewals from two to four.

They also removed fines for any overdue items.

MRCC Libraries also stated on its Facebook page people should borrow several items to reduce the number of times they needed to visit their local library.

People were also asked to call their local library to arrange for a book renewal if they are sick.

Both MRCC Libraries and Wentworth Shire Libraries are urging the public to take advantage of online services such as eBooks through their websites.

At this stage both library services were remaining open to the public.

However, Wentworth Shire Libraries stated on its Facebook page that although its three branches would remain open this could change at short notice.

People can find out more information about their local library by following the MRCC Libraries and Wentworth Shire Libraries Facebook pages.