After-Hours Library Access

12-month Trial Coming soon for Eastwood Library 24/7 Access

Date to be announced with registrations opening early 2026.
For further updates, please subscribe to our Library eNewsletter here.

After-hours access allows customers to visit the library outside of regular operating hours.

We will shortly commence a trial of unstaffed after-hours access at Eastwood Library.

After-hours access is provided to City of Ryde Libraries members who have been granted this membership category. To be granted after-hours access you must:

Be aged 17 years or over (note: parents and carers can list children under 17 years who may accompany them to the library)
Live, work or study in City of Ryde (evidence required)
Be a current City of Ryde Libraries member (if you are not an existing member, sign up can be done at the same time as an induction)
Not have received correspondence from City of Ryde as either a conduct warning letter in last 12 months or restricted access letter in last 3 years.
Complete an on-site induction
Have a current email address and mobile number.

What is available during after-hours access?

Use of the library spaces and facilities, return of borrowed items (except for Science Kits), borrowing using the self-checker and use of library computers and printers is available.

At times, some of these features may be unavailable due to outages or planned maintenance or updates. Where possible, these will be communicated via the library website and social media channels. Staff will not be able to address any issues outside of normal library opening hours.

Please note that the library is not staffed during after-hours access. There will not be anyone available to assist you with borrowing or reference inquiries, technology issues or other concerns. A security guard will be present to ensure safety, but they will not be able to provide customer service.

Ensuring your safety

To keep all customers safe when accessing the library after-hours, the following features will be in place:

Two-factor authentication to access the library, including swiping your library card and entering a one-time code sent to your mobile phone
A static guard (security guard) for in-person supervision of the library at all times
Bright lighting at the library entrance & exit
A duress alarm and vape detector in the toilet
Feedback forms (digital and physical) to report any comments or concerns
An induction process required for all members, including safety information and behavioural expectations

Terms & Conditions of City of Ryde Libraries After-Hours Access membership

These conditions are to ensure the safety, security and comfort of everyone using the library.

Terms and conditions may be reviewed and changed at any time.

All regular membership conditions and the Library Code of Conduct (displayed in the library) apply at all times.
Any breach of the After-Hours Access Terms and Conditions or the Library Code of Conduct will be investigated, referred to police if applicable and may result in your access being suspended or terminated.
Each member must scan their own card to enter. Only the library member and children under their supervision may enter via their membership card. Allowing other people to enter (tailgating) is prohibited.
Your library card cannot be shared with another person.
If you lose your membership card, you must inform library staff as soon as possible.
Persons under 17 must be always supervised by a parent or guardian who is an After-Hours Access member.
After-Hours Access is valid for 12 months from the date of activation. After-Hours Access membership can be renewed after agreeing to the terms and conditions.
A static guard/security guard is on site outside of normal library opening hours. The static guard/security guard is responsible for the safety and security of persons in the library and of the property/building. The static guard/security guard is not responsible for assisting members with library service matters such as membership issues, computer and printing assistance.
In the event of an emergency or evacuation, you must obey all instructions and direction of the static guard/security guard.
CCTV cameras operate in the building and surrounds at all times. By entering the library, you accept that you will be recorded by CCTV.
After-Hours Access members who are in the library when regular (staffed) hours end and after-hours access begins, acknowledge that they are required to exit and re-enter the library by scanning their library card to record that they are registered as being on the premises.
The conduct of commercial or business activities in the library is not permitted.
Smoking, vaping, consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited at all times.
A duress button linked to an audible alarm is installed in the accessible toilet. If you require assistance, press the duress button and the static guard/security guard will investigate.
For the safety and comfort of other members, sleeping in the library is not permitted.
You must not use personal electrical items in the library (other than personal technology items such as laptops). These items include heaters and kitchen items such as kettles.
To assist staff, large furniture items should not be moved.
Library users must respect the library space, collections, equipment and furniture.
Covered drinks and small snacks are permitted, please use the bins provided for any rubbish. Hot food is not permitted.
Members are responsible for their personal items in the library. Council is not liable or responsible for any loss or damage to such property.