Protecting community health: focus for National Library sites temporary closure

20 March 2020

The National Library will be temporarily closing its buildings to the public from 1pm Saturday 21 March. This is to help efforts to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

This is a temporary measure which we will review in fourteen days and applies to all National Library sites across Aotearoa, New Zealand.

“The wellbeing of our visitors, our staff and our community must be our top priority.” says National Librarian, Bill Macnaught.

Macnaught says the decision to close all National Library sites to the public has been given a great deal of consideration.

“The focus is about slowing down the spread of Covid-19.”

National Library staff are still working to deliver some of the services that would have been delivered in person to schools and researchers in other ways and online.

“Our interloan services and lending services to schools are still available. Or you can use our online services. More details of our continuing services will be added on our website.”

The National Library, Archives New Zealand are among institutions such as Te Papa and Auckland Museum, who are closing their doors to the public in a bid to stem the flow of Covid-19.

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For further information, please contact media@dia.govt.nz or call +64 27 535 8639