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National Library of Australia - Temporary building closure effective 5pm, Monday 23 March

Due to the need to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Library of Australia building has been closed to visitors until further notice – this includes the reading rooms, Exhibition Galleries, bookshop and cafes.

“We have made the decision to temporarily close our doors as part of the nation’s ongoing management of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Director-General of the National Library of Australia, Dr Marie-Louise Ayres.

“This is following the updated advice and restrictions announced by the Australian and ACT Governments on public gatherings.”

Despite the public closure, Dr Ayres confirmed that staff will continue working behind the scenes to keep all the Library’s popular digital services available.

“Libraries are places of knowledge, scholarship and learning, but also evoke a sense of warmth and security. Our doors may be closed, but we are ready to continue connecting and sharing information with our community via our digital platforms.”

Students can access the Library’s online Digital Classroom, with learning resources available for primary and secondary students.

Visitors can continue to Ask A Librarian for help with research questions or navigating the collections; explore the Library from home via Trove, the National Library Catalogue and eResources; and attend webinars, listen to podcasts and read blogs.

Also, for a range of award-winning titles, the Library’s online bookshop remains open for your browsing pleasure.

As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges that 2020 has presented, the Library is focusing on supporting the community with new ideas to explore Australian culture and history, and invites the public to join the digital conversation and share ideas and contributions. Over 30 million people across Australia accessed the National Library’s digital services last year, and it is expected this number will grow in the coming months.

No decision has been made as to when the Library will re-open. This will be subject to advice from Government, including the Chief Medical Officer. For the latest information, please read our recent news item.

Contact

Cathie Oats
Media Liaison Manager 
National Library of Australia
t: 02 6262 1695
m: 0401 226 697
e: media@nla.gov.au

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