Furthermore, as of the new financial year, fines levied for overdue Library items have been abolished. At their February meeting, Council voted to accept a report which recommended discontinuing the fees as it's "no longer seen as best practice".

Previously, fines were $3.50 at two weeks overdue, plus $3.50 at four weeks, plus $13.00 at six, reaching $20 in fines cuts access to the Library's services. Now notice is mailed to the library patron when items are four weeks overdue and a follow-up phone call at six weeks, at this time the accounts are suspended until renewal of the overdue items.

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From July 1, libraries are open as normal, this includes Saturday opening hours for Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos libraries. A full list of hours for each library can be found on Council's website.

Under this next stage, all floors of Mudgee Library will reopen to the public, including meeting rooms for hire with the one person per four square metres applying.

Half hour bookings of public PCs will be available with physical distancing and customers can contact the library to book.

Customers will be invited back for extended stays for the purpose of reading and study, but are encouraged to stay for no more than two hours.

The Mobile Library Van will continue deliveries to those people unable to attend a library, deliveries can be arranged by contacting the library.

Staff will continue to follow COVID SAFE quarantining and cleaning of returned items. These measures are in place for the protection of our community and staff.

Hand sanitizer is available to customers on entry and throughout the libraries.