Coronavirus concerns in Wagga sees many enter self-isolation, library responds with new borrowing limits

"Loan periods have additional extensions in place, and these can be done online or by phone if people prefer not to visit the library in person," said Janice Summerhayes, director of community at Wagga City Council.

With the new 100-person limit restricting visits to the library, residents can continue to return their books via the chute at the Baylis Street entrance.

Knowing the likelihood that the COVID-19 virus can linger on paper surfaces for up to a day, the library staff will implement additional measures to ensure returned books are safe for re-use.

"All library items returned to the library will be set aside for more than 24 hours before being put back into circulation," Ms Summerhayes said.

"Staff will follow the NSW Health guidelines for hand-washing, and use alcohol wipes to clean library equipment and hard surfaces on an hourly basis. Cash handling will also be limited during this time."

Following the government's restrictions on non-essential gatherings of more than 100 people, the library has had to cancel a number of public events, including the annual One Book One Wagga gala dinner.

For those who have purchased tickets to the event, which was scheduled to be in May, will be able to receive a full refund.

In accordance with NSW Health advice, library staff are requesting that residents stay away from the facility if they are unwell.

"Wagga City Library is asking the community to access online services and not visit the library if they are feeling unwell, have returned from being overseas in the last 14 days and have had any contact with a known positive case of COVID-19, or a person who is under quarantine or self-isolation awaiting confirmation testing in the last 14 days; or have been confirmed as having COVID-19," Ms Summerhayes said.