In March, Premier Daniel Andrews MP announced a shutdown of non-essential services and activity, to help combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities. In response to this directive, all Geelong Regional Library Corporation branches and mobile libraries closed until further notice, and library programming, events and outreach services were also suspended.

We are pleased to share that the City of Greater Geelong has brought forward scheduled refurbishment work on four of our libraries (Newcomb, Belmont, Corio and Geelong West) to enable works to be carried out while the facilities are closed in accordance with State Government COVID-19 directions. This has been initiated in order to minimise disruption to members and visitors and to ensure that these venues will be in better condition when they return to community use.

Some of these have already commenced, and we would like to acknowledge the efforts of City of Greater Geelong in their great work in getting these projects moving early:

• Newcomb Library refurbishment works include:
  • Recarpeting
  • Repainting
  • Works to light fittings
• Geelong West Library refurbishment works include:
  • Recarpeting
  • Repainting
  • Works to light fittings in reading room
  • Removal of green gauze
  • Tinting of glass roof tiles
• Belmont Library refurbishment works include:
  • Recarpeting 
  • New foyer roof and ceiling with skylights to replace the glass foyer roof
  • New linoleum in public toilets
  • Some painting and plaster work
• Corio Library: significant recarpeting works throughout the library.

Timing of the further easing of restrictions to allow the reopening of libraries is not yet known. Depending on the timeframe, these refurbishment works may affect services to the community after reopening We will keep you updated on these changes and timelines as we have more information.

Visit Your Library @ Home to see some amazing upcoming and past online events and lots of digitial resources to keep you going during this time.

Visit our eCollections to explore all the  items and resources in our digital collection, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers, video content, magazines, reference resources and great activities for children,