Yarra City Council is temporarily closing its libraries and leisure centres from close of business today, (Tuesday 17 March), to try to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) within our workforce and the community.

Library closures

Yarra’s five library branches at Collingwood, Carlton North, Richmond, Fitzroy and North Fitzroy (Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library) will close to the public as of close of business today, (Tuesday 17 March), to until further notice.

All library programs, including Storytime and after school programs will not run during the closure period.

The maternal child health centre located within the Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library building will continue to operate as normal.

The council customer service counter at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library will also continue to operate, however, we encourage you to use our online services where possible.

The Home Library Service will continue to operate, in a limited capacity, to existing customers.

Yarra Libraries does not charge late fees and is offering indefinite renewals on all items. Members are encouraged to keep their items at home and use the online library to access ebooks, audiobooks and more. Find out more about our online library resources.

Leisure centre closures

Council-run leisure centres Richmond Recreation Centre, Fitzroy Swimming Pool, Collingwood Leisure Centre and Collingwood Estate Gym will close from close of business today, (Tuesday 17 March), until further notice.

All leisure programs, including group fitness classes, learn to swim and swim squad sessions, will be suspended during the closure period.

Burnley Golf Course will continue to operate as normal at this stage.

More detailed information about what this means for people with memberships or who are enrolled in programs, will be available on the Yarra Leisure website.

Recreations and leisure centre closures effective Tuesday 17 March from:

• Collingwood Leisure Centre - 9pm
• Fitzroy Swimming Pool - 9pm
• Richmond Recreation Centre - 10pm
• Collingwood Estate Gym - 8pm

Council-run child care centres and kindergartens

All council childcare facilities will continue to operate as usual at this time.

Other council services

Our customer services centres located at Richmond and Collingwood town halls, Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library and the Connie Benn Centre in Fitzroy will continue to operate as normal at this time, however, we encourage you to use our online services where possible.

Household waste and recycling collections, planning, building, animal management, and parking and traffic services will also continue to operate as usual at this stage.

Yarra Council is working closely with service providers to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community can still access services – particularly the elderly and rough sleepers.

More information about Coronavirus

For more information about COVID-19, regular updates, and steps to take if you think you are at risk, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.

If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days on 1800 675 398.

Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

Read more on our Coronavirus advice webpage.