CITY OF RYDE LAUNCHES LIBRARY2U AND EXPANDS HOME LIBRARY SERVIC E
The City of Ryde has launched the new Library2U service, which will deliver books direct to the homes of library members in the City of Ryde as part of Council's continued support for the community during the coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak.
Run by the City of Ryde Libraries, with assist ance from Council Rangers and staff from the Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, the free Library2U service allows members to reserve up to 10 items and then a Library staff member will phone and book a delivery window for members to receive the items.
All deliv eries will be contactless and abide by strict social distancing measures that are currently in place.
One of the new electric vehicles recently introduced to Council's fleet will also be used to undertake the deliveries.
Reservations under the Library2U service will open on Wednesday 6 May with deliveries commencing from Monday 11 May. Members will be able to reserve items online or by calling 9952 8352.
Those who borrow through the Librray2U service will be able to retur n the items at one of the contactless return chutes found at each of the five City of Ryde Library branches. Generous renewal limits are also available for extending loans.
In addition to the Library2U service, City of Ryde Libraries has also expanded th e eligibility criteria for its Home Library Service to any City of Ryde resident over 65 years of age while COVID -19 restrictions are in place.
Traditionally for people who are unable to attend the library due to a disability or illness, the expansion of the Home Library Service recognises that those aged over 65 are some of our most vulnerable community members during the COVID -19 outbreak.
Deliveries and collections under the Home Library Service occur every four weeks and like the Library2U service, is a contactless service which adheres to social distancing measures.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said the new Library2U service and expansion of the Home Library Service were the latest initiatives undertaken by Council to support members of the community during the COVID -19 outbreak.
"I am delighted that we can offer our community this new door to door library service during this challenging time. Another added bonus is that our delivery drivers are Council staff whose roles have been somewhat reduced due to COVID -19 restrictions," Clr Laxale said.
"Keeping our hardworking and loyal staff in a meaningfu l and rewarding job is incredibly important for me.
and a nice little added bene fit of this Library 2U service.
"I would like to remind everyone that they can still become a library member even though our branches are closed, by signing up online at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/library. By becoming a member you will become eligible for a range of services including our Online Library which has a great range of eBooks.
