The City is keen to ease restrictions and re-open our library branches as soon as we can, but must do so in a way that is safe and compliant. The safety of our community and our staff is our highest priority.

Our library branches and links remain closed for general access.

Reserve and collect and computer sessions continue to be available at the branches listed below. Members can also access our digital collections our online events and workshops.

Last updated 18 September 2020

Darling Square Library update

Darling Square Library is now open for reserve and collect, returns and pre-booked computer sessions. Hours are 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Kings Cross Library update

The Kings Cross Library reopened for reserve and collect, returns and pre-booked computer sessions on Tuesday 1 September. Kings Cross Customer Service Centre also reopened for pre-booked appointments.

Glebe Library closed for refurbishments

Glebe Library and Glebe Customer Service Centre temporarily closed on Tuesday 8 September while works are undertaken to improve the facilities. We expect to reopen by early 2021.

Members can use the reserve and collect service to pick up items at St Helen’s Community Centre next to Glebe Library.

Reserve and collect

Members can place reservations in the online catalogue to be collected from some of our branches as a contactless service.

Collection is available at the following branches and times:

• Customs House, Green Square and Surry Hills libraries: 11am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
• St Helen’s Community Centre Glebe: 11am to 3pm, Monday and Friday. Collection is available from this centre while Glebe Library is closed for refurbishment.
• Pyrmont Link: 10.30am to 2.30pm, Monday.
• Kings Cross Library: 11am to 3pm, Tuesday and Thursday
• Darling Square Library: 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. The library can only be accessed by the lifts.

How does reserve and collect work?

• Reserve your items in the online catalogue and select collection from one of the available branches
• When your item is available for collection, you’ll be notified by email or SMS
• Items need to be collected within 5 working days of the notification during the times listed above
• Your items will already be issued to your library card, however you’ll need to show your library card or other identification to staff at collection
• Only books, magazines, DVDs and music, language and audiobook CDs are available for reserve and collect. Makerspace kits, toys, musical instruments and video game consoles are not available
• You can return loans in the chute or box when collecting your reserved items
• Returned items will be quarantined for 72 hours and remain on the borrower’s library card during this time
• Any reservations you’ve made prior to 1 June 2020 have been suspended. If you’d still like to borrow these items, you’ll need to reactivate them in your online account.

Find out more about how to make reservations in the online catalogue and reactivate reserved items that have been suspended.

Computer bookings

To provide our communities with online access, the self-service computers at some of our libraries are available to book free of charge. Fees apply for printing and photocopying. Bookings can be made for 45 minutes and are limited to 1 session per person per day.

Access to computers without a booking will be allowed if there are available computers. You will be required to register your contact details to use the computers. Please see staff at the library entrance.

Find out more and how to book.

Do not attend if you are unwell

Please do not attend these services if you are unwell or have any signs of cold of flu including a cough, sore/scratchy throat, runny nose, shortness of breath or a fever. If staff observe any of these symptoms you will be asked to leave.

While at our libraries:

• notify staff if you start to feel unwell
• maintain 1.5m physical distance from all people including staff
• wash or sanitise your hands on entry
• follow the library’s signage and conditions of entry along with staff directions.

When will City of Sydney libraries reopen?

No other in-branch services will be available at the branches as part of the reserve and collect service or pre-booked computer sessions.

Our other branches and links remain closed at this time.

Our library team is working as quickly as possible to make the reserve and collect and computer services available at our other branches and ultimately re-open our libraries as soon as safety protocols allow.

Temporary online memberships

We’ve introduced temporary online memberships for City of Sydney residents and ratepayers, allowing you to join our library without visiting a branch. New and existing temporary memberships are now valid until 6 January 2021.

Online library services

The library’s digital collections can be accessed from home and include ebooks, eaudiobooks, emagazines and enewspapers. You can also stream films and music and access many online resources for children.

Events and programs

Our regular library programs are not operating however we have a new program of online events and workshops available. Young children can watch our popular storytime and rhymetime online anytime.

Loans and returns

All existing loans will be automatically renewed until 30 November 2020 unless they have been reserved by another member. Return chutes are open at branches during the reserve and collect times above. All returns chutes at other branches are closed.

Membership renewals

Memberships that expired or are due to expire in 2020 will be automatically extended for 12 months from their original date of expiry.

If your membership expired prior to January 2020, please contact us by email library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9265 9333.

Inter-library loans

Inter-library loan requests are suspended until further notice.

Booking a library venue

Our library venues for hire are closed and we are not currently taking bookings for future dates. Our venue hire team has contacted people who had an existing booking. To be notified when our venues become available to book, email libraryvenues@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Home library service

The home library service continues to operate for existing home library members. Eligible City of Sydney residents can also apply to join the service.

Justices of the Peace

The NSW Justices Association has temporarily closed its JP service at our library branches and customer service centres. Visit Department of Communities and Justice to find other JP services that may be available.

Contact the library

If you need assistance or have any questions, contact our library team by emailing library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or calling 02 9265 9333.

We’ll continue to provide updates about changes to our library services.

Find out more about changes to other City services and facilities.