If you’re home schooling and were thinking of taking the kids to the local library this week, think again. Public libraries in Canberra are now closed as the ACT Government introduces a range of changes to city services in response to a temporary shutdown of non-essential services.
Libraries ACT
Libraries ACT has closed all its nine library branches as well as the ACT Heritage Library to public access from today, Wednesday 25 March.
For members of the community who need to access essential services such as computers, printers and photocopiers, access can be arranged by contacting Libraries ACT on 6205 9000. Access to these services will only be made available at the Woden, Dickson and Gungahlin branches by pre-arranged bookings.
Items currently on loan have had their due dates extended until the end of April 2020. Library chutes will remain open as per normal operating hours and library items can be renewed online or by phone on 6205 9000.
Library members can continue to access eBooks, eAudio, digital magazines, Story Box Library and other eResources on the Libraries ACT website using their membership number and passphrase.
In addition to these closures, the home library service will be postponed until further notice.
Cemeteries and crematoria
Gungahlin, Woden and Hall cemeteries and the Norwood Park crematorium are still open for visitors who wish to visit their loved one’s grave or memorial.
Funeral services can still be held in the ACT, following the guidelines of social distancing and meeting internal gathering space requirements. Chapels and places of religious worship will be open on a case by case basis.
Canberra Cemeteries will be changing the way it delivers its services. The head office is currently closed to the public. If you need to make any arrangements, please contact the Customer Service Team on 6204 0200 or [email protected].
For residents of the ACT who have a death in the family, most necessary arrangements with funeral directors, cemeteries and the crematorium can be made over the phone and online. Forms are digitally available and can be accessed via the Canberra Cemeteries website under the ‘forms and downloads’ tab.
Waste and recycling
Residential red and yellow bin collections are now starting from 5am. There is currently no change to the start times of green bin collections which will remain as 7am.
The ACT’s waste and recycling drop-off facilities including the Container Deposit Scheme return points, resource management centres and recycling drop off centres are operating as normal. Please note, however, that the weighbridges at the Mitchell and Mugga Resource Management Centres, Soft Landings mattress recycling and the Green Shed are accepting cash payments, please use the eftpos facilities.
The community can access a range of digital resources at www.act.gov.au/recycling.
Domestic Animal Services
The Domestic Animal Services (DAS) shelter in Symonston is closed to the general public until further notice.
The shelter will remain staffed to care for the dogs in DAS’ care and allow people to collect their impounded dog if they phone ahead through Access Canberra on 13 22 81. If you are interested in re-homing a dog, please also call Access Canberra within business hours. No cash payments will be accepted.
DAS Rangers will continue to respond to call outs for community safety.
Yarralumla Nursery
The Yarralumla Nursery, including the Plant Issue Scheme and wholesale sales, is closed to the general public until further notice.
If you have a wholesale order at the Nursery ready for collection, please contact them as soon as possible on 6207 2447 or at [email protected] before visiting the site to book an order collection time. No cash payments will be accepted.
The Nursery will remain staffed to continue to maintain and irrigate the plants on site.
Birrigai
Birrigai outdoor school is closed to the public until further notice.
Infrastructure projects
The ACT Government is working closely with its contractors, suppliers and industry partners to mitigate delays to its infrastructure program as much as possible over the coming months. This is an active and ongoing conversation, particularly in light of the social distancing requirements recently enforced. Any changes to project timeframes will be communicated with the public once known.
For more information visit cityservices.act.gov.au
