I think we can agree that 2020 was an annus horribilis for members separated from loved ones and confined to home.
Recognising this, there were many good things happening throughout the year in your libraries.
Our members showed great patience as we moved from being open for independent browsing and borrowing, to offering ‘Click ‘n Collect’ and then ‘Click for Home Delivery’. Your library teams cheerily responded to many changes as they adapted to the various COVID restrictions. Your teams kept working when many other library services shut up shop.
However, not content with just providing books, DVDs, etc. by post or courier, your local library teams went online with Storytimes, craft and cooking activities, and author talks. Storytimes were particularly important for our younger members as families tried to maintain a sense of normality in challenging times.
To reduce the stress on our members, we got rid of fines for the late return of items – FOREVER!
Because our communities accepted these changes to our services, as part of their overall response to COVID 19, we are now reopening all our libraries. Thank you.
We can go into a much cheerier festive season and new year where we can catch up with family and friends – and, of course, visit our local library.
Summer School Holiday Program
We are so excited to be able to provide a mix of online and in Library events this coming School Holidays! All the fun starts on Monday 11 January and continues right through to Friday 22 January. Visit your local Library and collect an activity kit or view our online events from our Facebook page, with a few events hosted via Zoom. Be sure to book ahead to receive your zoom invite. All events are FREE!
Collect an art activity pack produced by the National Gallery of Victoria and create artworks at home. Send your artwork back to the library for display, or post a photo, and go in the draw to win a voucher from a local bookshop. You will receive an email when your pack is ready for collection. Packs will be distributed from Monday 11 January - Friday 22 January, or until booked out.
Packs can be collected from Realm, Knox and Lilydale Libraries. Bookings essential.
The new library app is designed as the library in your pocket. It allows you to search the catalogue, make a booking, and check out your items if you are in the building. If you are out and about you can scan a book's barcode to see if it is in the library collection. You can also view your loans and reservations, change your password and update your details.
With restrictions easing, we are able to have many more people in the libraries. Social distancing requirements still apply, and everyone will be required to scan or log in for contact tracing.
Other changes include no limits to PC bookings and being able to book a PC from home.
Click+ Collect and Home Delivery Service are still available. Our website always has the current information - please check Current Services for any changes.
