Council rejects claims new library rules restricting unaccompanied visitors under 15 are discriminating
‘THIS is not about excluding anyone from the library, this is about making the space inclusive and safe for all’
Alice Springs
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ALICE Springs Town Council has rejected claims COVID-19 restrictions preventing unsupervised children from using the library were discriminating.
In May the library restricted unaccompanied visitors under 15 without an adult from entering as a result of COVID contact tracing.
“The library is such a vibrant and diverse space it important for us to get the balance right, which we feel we have done with these updates,” community developer director Kim Sutton said.
“This is not about excluding anyone from the library, this is about making the space inclusive and safe for all.
“Let me by clear, this has not been a ban of any kind and and everyone is welcome to the library provided they respect the space and all other visitors.”
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Over the past four months councillors said they had been working closely with the NT Department of Health to find ways to allow unaccompanied youth to use the space while also meeting contact tracing requirements.
Council has been working with the Anti-Discrimination Commission and NT Department of Health regarding updates to the Library’s COVID measurement.
As a result of these discussions, council has updated the COVID-19 measurements relating to entry requirements, as well as behavioural guidelines.
Regarding the proposed Youth Hub, with COVID-19 regulations impacting the
operations of this proposed facility, the council re-evaluated the way to run this program going forward.
In this process the council management consulted with key stakeholders, including youth service providers, and sought feedback from youth and the wider community.
Council will collaborate on a pilot youth program which was suggested by elders and community groups, as a proven program with strong community support.
“With a fundamental purpose on empowering young people to improve, this pilot program has many demonstrated benefits and is a fresh approach to the traditional youth programming run by council,” Ms Sutton said.
“This also allows Council to trial programs and further discussions on locations for a more successful potential Youth Hub space in the future.”
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