Western Bay of Plenty Library and Service Centres in Te Puke, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach will no longer open on Saturdays until further notice.

The change comes as Council prepares for Covid-19 cases to peak, taking pre-emptive measures to minimise the risk of needing to close any Library and Service Centres if Covid-19 cases spread among staff.

Council's Governance and Customer Services Manager, Barbara Whitton says that her team is taking the necessary steps to ensure customers can still come in, and the Saturday opening is a sacrifice they've had to make.

'This is a tough time for our community, and we want ensure that our customers can still access the services they need and see a friendly face behind the counter.

'This small change to opening hours will add an extra layer of precaution by reducing staff movement between our libraries.

'We apologise to our Library and Service Centre users for the inconvenience and reassure you that we hope to open on Saturdays again in the near future.”

The usual services such as book returns, can take place via the after-hours slots. For those people wanting to choose a book, you can use our click and collect book bundle service via the Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries website libraries.westernbay.govt.nz

'Now is also a great opportunity to check out our digital offerings. We have eBooks, eAudio and PressReader (for newspaper and magazine press) available online,” says Barb.

To make a Council related payment online, visit westernbay.govt.nz/pay-my-rates

Updated Library and Service Centre opening hours are:

The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, Katikati
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Weekends and Public Holidays – Closed

Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Weekends and Public Holidays - Closed

Te Puke Library and Service Centre

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Weekends and Public Holidays – Closed

Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre

Monday - Thursday: 10am - 2pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Weekends and Public Holidays - Closed