Kempsey Shire Libraries staff are changing the way residents read books and access services while they continue to adapt to coronavirus restrictions.
Despite local branches still being closed, Council staff have been busy working behind the scenes to ensure that the library continues to play a role in the community.
From this week, a new Click & Collect service will be introduced at Kempsey, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point branches. The service will commence with members who had reserves waiting before the shutdown, but should expand in the coming days to new reservations.
Library Manager, Angie Meers, said the service allows members to once again borrow physical books and resources but to conduct the borrowing process online or over the phone.
"While we look forward to the day we can reopen our doors to the community, this service allows us to help residents who aren't able to access e-resources and are missing their library books," she said.
The service has been designed to be easy to use. All members need to do is go to the library's website and reserve the titles they would like to borrow. Once an order is placed the items are packed and labelled by staff and placed in a contactless chute for collection. Residents can then collect their items in the nominated hours.
Deliveries will also recommence for members registered to the housebound service.
If members don't have internet access they can call the library and a staff member will be happy to assist. And if residents aren't yet members they can join online.
Ms Meers said staff have also taken advantage of the library being closed to update library facilities and services.
"We have new furniture for our Kempsey branch which has let us change the layout for a better member experience. By next week we will have also finished repainting the Stuarts Point branch," she said.
"We've also upgraded services and increased the borrowing options online of audio books, e-books and increased the number of plays for live streaming films and documentaries."
