City of Perth Library

The City of Perth Library is open. Please see below for important information to plan your visit.

While we are glad to welcome you back, please note that due to the restrictions governing the number of people we can host in the building, you will be able to enter the Library to return, select and borrow items, or to use the computers or printers. All patrons will be required to sign in on entry. We hope that you'll soon be able to spend longer periods of time in the Library when restrictions are lifted further. Please see below for full details about how we're operating under the current restrictions.

Opening hours
From Monday 18 May 2020 Library opening hours are:

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 4.00pm 
Sunday and public holidays: closed

Measures to protect public health
Please do not visit the Library if you, or a person you are in close contact with, are unwell.

In line with government directives, only 20 patrons are permitted in the Library building at a time. When the Library has reached capacity, patrons waiting to enter will be required to queue outside the Library on Hay Street. There are limited undercover areas outside the Library, so please prepare appropriately for standing outside in the weather.

 All Library patrons and staff are expected to practice social distancing at all times. Collection items are quarantined following WA Health Department guidelines, and staff and patrons have access to hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities in the bathrooms. All visitors are encouraged to wash their hands regularly. All surfaces in the Library are regularly cleaned, and contact points on computers and printers are cleaned after each patron.

Although these precautions minimise the risk for patrons and staff, if you are concerned about the risk please do not visit the Library.

Computers and printers 
A limited number of public computers are available for those who need to use them. Each patron may use one computer for a maximum of 20 minutes per day. Printing, scanning and copying is also available. Patrons can access the computers or printers during Library opening hours (Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4.00pm). 

Borrowing 
The loan period for all items on loan at 23 March 2020 was extended. However, you can now return items via the returns chute inside the building during opening hours, or via the returns chute on Hay Street after hours. 

Holds 
If you have received a notification that an item you have requested is now available, please visit the Library to collect it within seven days of receiving the notification.

Meeting room bookings 
No room bookings will be taken until further notice. 

Auditorium hire 
No Auditorium bookings will be taken until further notice. 

History Centre  
Please email enquiries to the History Centre.

Library Home Delivery 
As many restrictions have been lifted, we will be winding up the Library Home Delivery service. We will be in touch with everyone who has registered to discuss next steps. Those in high risk categories may be able to continue to have items delivered through our Housebound delivery service. 

Mixed Bag (we select, you collect)
If you don’t have time to browse and choose items, email us at perth.library@cityofperth.wa.gov.au or phone us on 9461 3500 to request a Mixed Bag selection. We’ll ask for your preferences, then carefully select five items for you. We’ll notify you when your items are ready. Please visit to collect your items within seven days of receiving your notification. Your items can be collected from the reservation shelves on the Ground Floor.

Events and activities 
We will not be running any events for children, young adults or adults in the Library until further notice. Please subscribe to our eNewsletter or follow us on Facebook for details of upcoming online events and activities. 

eResources 
You can continue to access our range of eResources online. We have a wide range of books, magazines, newspapers, films and more, all available from your computer or device for free with your Library membership. Visit the eResources page for a full list. 

Help with eResources  
Video tutorials covering many of our eResources are available at the top of the eResources page. If you still need help, phone us on 9461 3500 or email perth.library@cityofperth.wa.gov.au for assistance. 

Join the Library  
If you're not a City of Perth Library member, you can join online. City of Perth Library membership is free.