The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) announces the resumption of full services at its Heritage Library and public libraries from October 4, 2021. Following all safety protocols, patrons will also be able to borrow materials, print material, make copy copies and use the study rooms. This step follows Nalis’ reopening of libraries on September 1 to allow persons to only access wifi, internet and computer services.

According to Nalis’ executive director (Ag.), Paula Greene, “The resumption of full services is in an attempt to meet the library and information needs of the public.” In addition to resuming additional walk-in services, Nalis advises that its amnesty on overdue books and DVDs will be extended to December 31, 2021. The amnesty now obtains to all overdue materials, not just those that became due during the period of closure.

In an effort to protect staff and patrons, returns must be placed in bins designated for such at public libraries. The returned items will be placed in quarantine and then sanitised before returning to shelves. This process, which is necessary to protect both staff and patrons, will unfortunately cause a delay in the updating of patrons’ accounts and may impact immediate borrowing privileges.

The current opening times of 9:00am to 4:00pm will be maintained. Patrons are reminded that for their safety, staff is authorised to manage the number of persons utilising the facility at any given time, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult to access the services and all in-library programmes have been suspended until further notice.