Policies and guidelines

1. Overview

The following guidelines ensure library staff, members and visitors are provided with a safe and comfortable environment.  

2. Security

CCTV systems operate at Chatswood and Naremburn to help safeguard the security and safety of staff and visitors.

  • The CCTV systems are governed by the Workplace Surveillance Act 2005 (NSW) and privacy legislation.
  • Footage is retained for a limited period to allow for investigation of reported incidents.
  • The footage is not available to be seen by the public.
  • CCTV footage of a specific incident may be released to a law enforcement agency where it is required or permitted by law. 

3. Unaccompanied children

Willoughby City Library Services welcomes children of all ages at the library.  However, the Library is a very busy public place, and it is unsuitable for children to be in the library without the care of an older person.

Children must be accompanied by an older person to help ensure their safety while in the Library. In this case ‘accompanied’ means within sight – ie, the older person can always see the younger person.

  • Children under the age of 11 must be supervised by someone over 18 at all times in the Library.

Library staff cannot take responsibility for the safety of children who are left unattended at the Library. If children are left unsupervised in the library, staff will attempt to notify parents, guardian or caregiver. If staff cannot contact parents, the Police will be notified.

4. Photography and filming

Your attendance at events hosted or supported by Willoughby City Library may be digitally recorded through photographs and video recordings. Images may be used on our websites, publications, social media channels and circulated to the press and other media organisations for publication, transmission or broadcast. If you do not wish your image to be published, please notify staff before the event.

No photography or filming is allowed in the Library without permission from the Library. Please email any enquiries to library@willoughby.nsw.gov.au

Those who do not comply with the Guidelines may be asked to leave the Library or may be refused access to the Library.

5. Collection policy

Download our Library Collection Development Policy(PDF, 106KB) 

6. Donations

The Library does not accept book donations. However, we accept donated items relating to the Willoughby area for our Local Studies collection. Email enquiries to library@willoughby.nsw.gov.au 

If your books cannot be donated, you may wish to: 

  • Swap a small number of good condition books at a Street Library.
  • Consider donating books to a charity of your choice. 
  • Ask local schools if they are interested in receiving your books. 
  • Trade in your books at a second hand book shop.
  • Give your books away.

If you are a resident of our local area, books can also be recycled through the services of Willoughby City Council.

7. Student study rooms

Chatswood Library currently has four rooms that may be booked by students for group study without charge. Students can book up to two hours each day. 

Minimum 3 students and maximum 8-12 students per booking, per room. 

  • One booking per group per day, i.e if you are already part of a group booking, you cannot make a second booking.
  • Students must book in person, on the day, at the Information desk.
  • All students must be present at check-in and show valid student ID.
  • Bookings are forfeited if you do not arrive within 10 minutes of the booking start time.
  • Lidded or bottled drinks are welcome, no food is to be consumed within the library.
  • Do not move furniture.
  • Paid bookings take priority, students can be asked at any time to vacate a room for a paid booking. 
  • Maintain 1.5m physical distancing.
  • Follow the Behaviour in the Library guidelines and NSW Health guidelines
  • The Library reserves the right to accept or refuse any or all applications for bookings.

8. Creator Space conditions of use 

What is the Creator Space?

The Creator Space is a multi-purpose area of Chatswood Library. It is available free of charge to groups running creative and/or learning activities – for example, Catan games, Python hacks, quilting, chess, VR storyboarding. This applies to small non-funded, unincorporated community groups as per Fees & Charges.

Further information about the Creator Space can be found at the Willoughby City Council website.

9. Lost property guidelines

 To claim lost property, you will be asked to provide ID, to describe the item and to estimate the day when the property may have been left. Lost property enquiries can be directed to: library@willoughby.nsw.gov.au Please check our Lost Property Guidelines(PDF, 399KB)

10. Willoughby City Council - Customer service and complaints

Please refer to the following documents: