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Home Library offers Lockdown Lifeline

Home Library Service extended to everyone who wanted to borrow items, with no restrictions on age.

By Portal Admin - 28th September 2020 - Back to News

Latrobe City Libraries Home Library for All service has offered a lifeline to its more than 850 customers over the latest lockdown period. During August alone, the libraries loaned more than 10,000 items.

Latrobe City Council Mayor Councillor Dan Clancey said the service not only delivered books, but hope too.

"During this second lockdown, we extended our Home Library Service to everyone who wanted to borrow items, with no restrictions on age. Pleasingly, the statistics show that more than 950 customers were aged in the 20 to 40 years age group, so the service has clearly been a big winner with younger people. And of course, our older residents are just as keen for the service as they always have been. More than 40% of borrowers are aged over 70 and we have almost 400 members aged over 90 receiving items," Cr Clancey said.

The Home Library For All concept included options for families and young adults, as well as ‘lucky dip’ packs where borrowers left the choice to library officers.

"This is a great way to get people reading or listening outside of their usual genre preferences. While restrictions are still in place, the Home Library will continue to operate, and recently we were given the goahead to resume our Click, Call and Collect service too. Items can be chosen using the online library catalogue, or by phone to a branch, and the customer can pick up their order at an agreed time. The collection is organised in a safe and hygienic way.

"Libraries are an invaluable asset in our community; usually a bricks and mortar pillar of equity and inclusion. It’s been hard for the members and visitors during these closures, some of whom have lost their access to computers and free WiFi or a space for social connections. We feel that these services offer continuity in an otherwise bumpy path we’re all treading.

"And for our library team, they have missed seeing our customers. However, receiving feedback from Home Library recipients, by way of letters and cards and phone conversations, has lifted their spirits," Cr Clancey said.

The Latrobe City Libraries team also offers an ‘Ask the Librarian’ call-back service to answer any libraryrelated questions, and will start a regular program of online activities for families, adults and seniors in November. Bookings for Baby Bounce, Wiggle & Jiggle, Storytime, Book Chat, author talks and workshops will open shortly. Membership is free and you can sign up by phone on 1300 367 700 or online at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/library

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com