The Margaret River and Augusta Libraries are now closed for an indefinite period in response to COVID-19 threat.

Earlier today Shire of Augusta Margaret River Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Addison-Brown announced the Shire will be ceasing to deliver non-essential, public-facing services in a bid to preserve both staff and community safety as the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to unfold.

The Shire libraries are working towards finding new ways of serving our community whilst closed to the public and all new initiatives will be announced on our blog.

Subscribe to our blog amrlibraries.com for more updates, news and information on your local library service.

Library members can also access e-resources  from our website including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, language, English as a Second Language and resume help, stream movies and many others suitable for children and youth. Use your library card barcode to login and check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) if you need assistance.

Keep reading and smiling!

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Library Service has been reviewing and changing its operations in response to the Federal Government’s announcements on COVID-19.

Our Libraries are taking measures to minimise the contamination risk of COVID-19 to staff and members very seriously.

• We would like to stress the importance of the role of libraries in maintaining the welfare of our communities and staff during times of crisis.
• We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are following WA Health & Federal government guidelines.
• Mitigating risk whilst remaining open for our community is our priority.

Our Current Plan is to …

• Provide a positive and welcoming community space.
• Operating hours stay the same for the time being.
• Events and programs will be postponed until further notice
• Library staff are wiping public desks, Print Release and photocopier, iPAC computers, SmartServes etc at least an extra three times a day, in addition to our usual cleaning services.
• Encouraging people to use card services for payment of services
• Encouraging people to take out 30 items as per current loan policy.
• Public PC users are encouraged to use antiseptic wipes on the keyboard and mouse prior to use.
• Public wifi available.
• E-services are available 24/7.
• COVID-19 literature in multi languages is on display.
• Community jigsaw puzzle unavailable at present however there are plenty of jigsaws available for loan.

The Federal Government’s position is that  as long as we follow social distancing advice, have no more than 100 people in a single enclosed space and have good cleaning practices in place our facilities can remain open.

The health and safety of our members, customers and staff is our highest concern at this time. The Shire of Augusta Margaret River Library Services will provide regular updates to members on the changing situation.

Unfortunately Auslan Chat at Margaret River Library has been cancelled until further notice.

If you are keen to practice some Auslan, you may find the Signbank website useful 🙂

Apologies for the inconvenience, we will advise when meetings are set to resume.

Please note that the Spaced 4 information session that was to have been held at the Margaret River Library tomorrow (Wednesday 18 March) has been cancelled.

We apologise for any inconvenience, and thank you for your understanding.

Following advice from health authorities regarding gatherings and social distancing, we are sorry to announce that the Building Bridges Harmony Day event that was to have been held at the Margaret River Library on 19 March has now been cancelled.

We apologise for any inconvenience, and would like to offer our community these suggestions for alternative ways of celebrating Harmony Day:

• Drop into the library, borrow some LOTE (Languages Other Than English) books & DVDs and have a Harmony Day festival at home
• Stay at home and use your library membership to stream foreign films and/or download LOTE e-books (Click here to get started)
• Smile and wave to your neighbours, as we all do our bit to encourage harmony and compassion during trying times

Thursday 19th March, 5.30 – 7.30pm

The Intercultural Action Group welcomes the community to the ‘Building Bridges Harmony Day Celebration’ being held at the Margaret River Library on Thursday 19th March. Guests are encouraged to bring a plate to share, dress up and be prepared for Bollywood Dancing. FUN for the whole family!

Please RSVP the name of the dish you are bringing to: amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au or Ph: 9780 5600

The Library is an inclusive venue with plenty of parking. All welcome.