Jessica Micallef
Goldfields Libraries across the Macedon Ranges are offering a click and collect service for locals to pick up their favourite book.
The service, which launched on June 1, provides people with the chance to reserve a library item through an online catalogue and pick up their reserved items at Woodend, Gisborne, Kyneton and Romsey libraries.
Woodend library manager Lulu Cockram said borrowers, who missed out on their items due to the shut down of libraries, were first in line to receive their items.
“When the closures first commenced, there were a lot of people who reserved items in the library and we have now been able to contact them,” she said.
“Although some people have waited two months to pick up their book or DVD, they have definitely appreciated us getting back in touch.”
While people haven’t been able to physically come in to the library, Ms Cockram said there had been a “huge” increase in the demand for e-books.
“We’ve brought the library to your lounge room,“ she said.
“We’ve been able to engage with a broader section of the community.
“People who are working and commuting who don’t have time to use the library would now maybe use the library online.
“We’ve been able to help book clubs use the library for online loans.
“But I think there is still a demand for hard copy books. It won’t be that the library goes to an online library.”
To remain connected with the Macedon Ranges community during the closure, library staff had set up a YouTube channel to present online storytimes and author talks.
“We have been able to maintain that [connection] in many different ways,” Ms Cockram said.
“There are so many people who would come to the library to have come contact with people and haven’t been able to and that has been such a loss to them.”
Goldfields Libraries will reopen on Tuesday, June 9.
For more information on click and collect times and to reserve an item, visit: ncgrl.vic.gov.au/
