Stonnington Libraries Service Update

Published on 11 January 2021

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Visiting us

All libraries will be closed on Tuesday 26 January for the Australia Day Public Holiday.

Prahran Square Library is open at the northern end of Prahran Square for browsing, borrowing and reading from popular collections. You can collect your reservations, return items and use the free WiFi. Find out more about the Prahran Square Library.

All of our libraries are open 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a 1 hour closure from 1 – 2pm. They are also open on Saturdays from 10am – 1pm.

Each library currently has maximum capacity at any time and visitors are asked to limit their visit to 20 minutes only for browsing, borrowing and enquiries only.

There are no bookings required to visit and a library staff member will greet you at the door to welcome you and record your details for contact tracing purposes.

Please be patient as we welcome people back into our spaces. You may experience wait times as we manage the new ways in which we must operate.

See tab below for our Conditions of Entry when visiting our libraries.
 
Contactless services
Our contactless services are still (and will continue to be) available, including Click and Collect and the Vulnerable Communities Library Delivery Service.
 

Please check your library account or keep an eye on your emails as notices have been sent out to see which reservations are available for collection.

Make a Click and Collect appointment by calling us between 10am – 5pm Monday to Friday to arrange a collection time.

Malvern Library - 8290 1366
Phoenix Park Library - 8290 4000
Prahran Square Library – 8290 3344
Toorak/South Yarra Library - 8290 8000

Returning items

Our return chutes are open at all hours across our libraries. There’s no need to rush to return items as all items are being renewed automatically. Please note, recently returned items may stay on your card for several days due to quarantine safety requirements. Overdue charges do not apply.

Below is a quick summary of what’s available right now. We will update this as services become more available. We've also prepared answers to frequently asked questions or you can fill in our contact us form. 

Current Services

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Conditions of Entry

 
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Our extensive range of digital collections is still available and growing. Don’t forget to check out our What’s On program, with many online events on offer over the coming months.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news and updates, please visit our website, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on our social media channels, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you're not already, become a library member to access a wide range of free online services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers, music and film streaming, eReference and eLearning. If you’re already a member, download our app for easy access.  

Need help?  Contact our libraries between 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 1pm for assistance.

View the City of Stonnington's COVID-19 update for information on what's open, what's closed and how you can help slow the spread of coronavirus. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services for general information on COVID-19, including information for people with disability. See SBS for COVID-19 information in your language.

 

Frequently asked questions

Are you open?

Our libraries are open from 10am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a 1 hour closure from 1 – 2pm. They are also open on Saturdays from 10am – 1pm.

Prahran Square Library is now open for browsing, borrowing and reading from popular collections. You can collect your reservations, return items and use the free WiFi.

Each library has a maximum capacity at any time and visitors are asked to limit their visit to 20 minutes only for browsing, borrowing and enquiries only.

There are no bookings required to visit and a library staff member will greet you at the door to welcome you and record your details for contact tracing purposes.

Please be patient as we welcome people back into our spaces. You may experience wait times as we manage the new ways in which we must operate.

Some services and activities are not yet available at branches, including computers, printing, print newspapers, latest magazines, and study/seating areas.

What hygiene practices and safety protocols will be in place?

Once we reopen libraries, strict hygiene and physical distancing rules will be in place to protect our staff, library members and the wider community. This means:

  • A limited number of people will be allowed in each library at any one time; physical distancing and strict hygiene rules will be in place as per State Government directions.
  • Each library will be closed for 1 hour from 1- 2pm for cleaning.
  • A library staff member will work as a concierge at the door to manage visitor numbers.
  • All physical collections items will undergo quarantine upon return. 
Library members are asked to follow the direction of staff and signage in branches, and be respectful of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe.

Is Click and Collect available?

Yes, Click and Collect is currently available. Contact us to arrange a time to collect your allocated reservations.

I’m a Prahran Library member, what should I do?

While Prahran Town Hall undergoes renovations, Prahran Library has moved to Prahran Square.

Located at the northern end of Prahran Square, the library is now open for browsing, borrowing and reading from popular collections. You can collect your reservations, return items and use the free WiFi.

The library is open Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturdays, 10am - 1pm.

Can I still place reservations through the catalogue?

Yes, you can reserve items through our catalogue and pick up items by visiting the library during opening hours or contact us to arrange a time to collect your allocated reservations through Click and Collect.

How can I tell if my reservation is allocated/ready for pick up?

Firstly, please check your account for a status update. If your reservation is ready for pickup, you will see the following status: Available reservation / Ready for pickup. When you see this status, please call us between 10am-5pm Monday to Friday to arrange a collection time.

Am I eligible for the Vulnerable Communities, Library Delivery Service?

We provide a library home delivery service for vulnerable members of the Stonnington community. Read more about the Vulnerable Communities, Library Delivery Service and find out if you are eligible to receive this service.

 

Can I still return items while you're closed?

Yes, you can return items while we’re closed. Return chutes are available at all libraries.

There’s no need to rush to return items as all items are being renewed automatically. Please note, recently returned items may stay on your card for several days due to quarantine safety requirements. Overdue charges do not apply.

Why are returned items still showing on my account?

Recently returned items may stay on your card for several days due to quarantine safety requirements. Overdue charges do not apply.

 

Can I renew my items? Do I need to renew my items?

All items are being renewed automatically and overdue charges do not apply.

What collections can I access right now?

Our eLibrary provides access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers, music and films. 

What if I have items on reserve showing as available on my account?

You can pick up available reservations by visiting our libraries or via our Click and Collect service. Contact us to arrange a time to collect your allocated reservations.

I’m having trouble accessing my account and/or eLibrary collections.

Contact us and a staff member can assist you with your enquiry. 

What if I need assistance with accessing your eLibrary, want basic tech help or have a research or reading enquiry?

Please contact us and a staff member will assist with your enquiry.

Are regular library programs being held?

Prahran Square Library will deliver a range of outdoor events from this Summer. 

We’re bringing back some of our most popular in-person programs including Storytime and Babytime Rhymes, summer reading challenges and school holiday activities, Book Chat, Chess Club and more.

Programs will be in line with COVID-Safe conditions and physical distancing and contact tracing will be required.

Visit our What's On page for more information on upcoming programs.

 

Can I put in a request for new items?

Yes we are accepting requests for new items. If we’re able to purchase the item/s, we'll reserve these for you and contact you when they are available to collect.

This includes eBook and eAudiobook titles.

 

 

Can I request an item through Interlibrary loan?

Yes, we are accepting requests for interlibrary loans and they can be collected through click and collect. However, we are currently transitioning to a new Interlibrary Loan system, and there may be delays processing your Interlibrary Loan requests.

Can I book/hire a library meeting room?

No. Library meeting rooms are not available for the time being.

No computer and need to complete a Centrelink or Medicare form online?

Your local Service Australia Centre has self-service terminals you can use. Find your nearest Service Australia Centre at https://findus.servicesaustralia.gov.au/

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