Tamworth City Library reopened to visitors as NSW government roll back COVID-19 rules

There were people trickling through the doors of Tamworth City Library as soon as they opened on Monday morning, for the first time since March 23.

Tamworth Regional Council's manager of cultural and community services Kay Delahunt said the response to reopening had been "amazing", but there are new measures in place to keep people safe amid the pandemic.

There are a maximum of 50 people allowed in the Peel Street facility at a time, and social distancing must be maintained. There's also a 30-minute time limit and computers will be wiped down after use.

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"We haven't been accepting returns until the middle of last week, so there are about 8000 books out on loan at the moment, that we're expecting back in the next few weeks," she said.

"What will happen is they'll be quarantined for 72 hours and then they're wiped with alcohol before they're put back on the shelf."

The library is also recording people's details as they enter.

When the library doors swung open on Monday morning, Tamworth woman Christine Watson was first through the door.

She's borrowed well over 1000 books in her time, and said she just "loves" having the library back.

"I've got to have a computer because I don't have one at home, and the books are especially good for me, it's so relaxing to read a book," she said.

Staff made the most of the lockdown, transforming the place. During the two-month closure, staff repainted and rearranged the library to create a new-look space for users.

For those vulnerable people that can't return yet as the threat of coronavirus lingers, Ms Delahunt said the click-and-collect service and home library service are still in play.

The reopening doesn't extend to events, but virtual activities will still be run online.

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