Newcastle (City), Wallsend, Mayfield and New Lambton libraries are currently open for ‘express’ member access:
As of 27 July, Adamstown, Beresfield, Hamilton and Stockton branches will reopen with modified hours.
We are taking a phased approach to re-opening our libraries to allow time to make the necessary changes to our service delivery and prepare our various spaces. The safety of our community and team are our priority.
Members can access an extensive range of digital programs, content and services online. Read more about the eLibrary.
Up-to-date visiting information can be found above or at https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/connect/visit/our-branches
Newcastle Libraries has recommenced selected services, with a staged approach to reopening our libraries that prioritises public and employee safety.
Newcastle (City), Wallsend, Mayfield and New Lambton libraries are currently open with Adamstown, Beresfield, Hamilton and Stockton re-opening on 27 July. See above for revised opening hours.
Newcastle Libraries has also resumed the home library service and implemented a Call and Collect service for members.
Newcastle Toy Library will re-open at New Lambton Library from Saturday 8 August. Our partners at the Toy Library have worked hard to make the service safe and inclusive. To find out more please visit the Newcastle Toy Library Facebook page.
The home library service is for the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community. Priority will be given to existing members and to new members shortly thereafter.
Read more about our home library service before contacting Outreach Services on:
02 4974 5348
homelibraryservice@ncc.nsw.gov.au
To access our Call & Collect service simply call 4974 5300 and request ‘Call and Collect’.
The Call and Collect service provides a general selection of up to 5 items based on your reading/watching/listening preferences. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 operational restrictions, we cannot access all our collections, therefore specific title or author requests cannot be met at this time. Our talented library staff will select your items and let you know a collection time, either at Newcastle (City) or Wallsend library.
We ask all members presenting at the collection points to follow the directions of staff and practise social distancing. If you are unwell, please stay at home and reschedule the collection.
Continue to check this page and social media for details as they are released.
Newcastle Libraries commenced a phased re-opening of its libraries on 15 June, starting with Newcastle (City) and Wallsend branches. ‘Express’ visitation guidelines were developed to ensure measures were in place to ensure public and employee safety.
Our team has prepared the various spaces and adjusted our lending services to ensure we can operate safely.
All books returned to Newcastle Libraries are required under the NSW Public Health Order (June 2020) to be quarantined for at least 24 hours before returning into circulation.
‘Express’ visitation guidelines currently apply, including:
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Visitation limits of 1 hour.
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Help Us and Your Community – Please ensure regular hand washing and sanitising before entering and whilst you are in the library. Member cards will be scanned on entry to record all who have visited our spaces in case of an outbreak to assist in contact tracing.
- Respect our Distance – Practise good hygiene and maintain social distancing. Stay home if you are feeling unwell
- Returns – Please place all returns in the 24 hour returns chute outside the library. All returned items will be quarantined prior to re-shelving for your safety.
- Borrowing – You can borrow any items from the shelves and pick-up any reservations. Newspapers are not available for hygiene reasons but these can be accessed online. Please wipe down the self-serve kiosks after use.
- Payments – All payments are to be made using the self-serve kiosks. No cash will be taken by library staff members.
- Public Computers & Wifi – Print/Copy/Scan services and Wifi are available. Public computer sessions are limited to 1 hour at City and Wallsend branches and 30 minutes at all other branches. This time cannot be extended. Please wipe down the keyboard, mouse and desk area where you have been sitting at the start and end of your session.
- Other Measures – Seating has been reduced to encourage social distancing. Maximum occupancy levels will be set for each public floor at each stage of restrictions; all programming will remain online.
- Other Services – Our eLibrary is open 24/7. Our Phone Support service is available Monday to Fridays and Saturday mornings on 4974 5300. There are plenty of activities, programs and podcasts available online via the Newcastle Libraries Website or app.
Yes, return chutes reopened at all branches on 15 June 2020. The loan period on all items has been extended to 8 weeks and any overdue fines incurred during our closure period have been waived.
COVID-19 safe work plans are in place to ensure books are quarantined for at least 24 hours, as required under the NSW Public Health Order (June 2020).
Face to face public programming remains temporarily suspended until further notice.
Newcastle Libraries now offers a range of online programs available on demand. Explore programs such as Rock’n’Rhyme, to podcasts and author talks, or Lego Club challenges in the What’s On(line) calendar.
There is an extensive range of content available online and through the Library app.
Online Programs: Newcastle Libraries now offers a range of online programs available on demand. Explore programs such as Rock’n’Rhyme, to podcasts and author talks, or Lego Club challenges in the What’s On(line) calendar.
eLibrary: The library you can borrow from anywhere, anytime. Discover a vast range of eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, research databases, kids' eBooks and activities, as well as documentaries and films. Log in using your library card number and pin.
Kids’ elibrary: Explore our eLibrary for kids including eBooks, stories on film, eAudiobooks, educational games, and information resources for homework and curious minds of all ages. Read, listen, watch or search wherever you are.
Newcastle Libraries App: The Newcastle Libraries App is free from the App Store or Google Play. Simply enter your library membership number and PIN to get started.
Free telephone assistance is available by calling Newcastle Libraries 4974 5300.
You can contact the Newcastle Libraries team during the hours below on 4974 5300. Out of these hours there is an automated message concerning services and COVID-19 measures.
Monday-Friday: 9.30am - 5pm
Saturday: 9.30am - 1.30pm
Becoming a member is easy! If you live, work or regularly travel in the Newcastle region, you can become a member of the Library free of charge. You can register online, or contact the Library team on 4974 5300 to join over the phone.
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