Library transforms services to meet demand

Armidale Regional Library has introduced a ‘book and collect’ service and expanded its home delivery service so members can access books and other resources during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Members can now book resources by emailing or phoning the library, then pick them up from the entrance of the Armidale or Guyra library at a time arranged between staff and the borrower.

The ‘book and collect’ option comes as the library is also experiencing increased demand for home deliveries, as residents adhere to health recommendations to stay home and avoid groups of people during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Both services will be valuable to help people access recourses, in addition to our many online services, during the extraordinary measures for social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis,” Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.

“That access to resources will be particularly important when many people are isolating themselves at home and there is an increased number of students studying from home.

“At this stage we are only in a position to deliver to homes within the Armidale and Guyra town boundaries and, to minimise contact between people, resources will be left at the front door of the home.”

The service will not be collecting items until after the libraries have fully reopened.

Orders for both the home delivery and collection options are limited to 10 items.

“Both services will be reviewed on a regular basis and may change with short notice, depending on demand and further Government restrictions,” he said.

To make an order: •Armidale – email [email protected] or phone 6770 3636 •Guyra – email [email protected] or phone 6770 7123

Councillor Murray said the library team is looking at a wide range of options for members to access its services, so people can stay informed, connected and entertained during a challenging period for everyone.

Armidale Regional Library’s two locations, at Armidale and Guyra, are among a number of Armidale Regional Council buildings that have closed since Monday, reverting to alternatives to face-to-face customer services in response to recommendations from health authorities and the State and Federal Government for rigorous social distancing policies to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Armidale Regional Library does offer a number of online services so people can still access eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers, and other information,” Cr Murray said.

“However, we’re extremely conscious that not everyone has internet access at home and, for many of these people, the resources and connectivity provided by the library is especially valuable. The ability to book a delivery or collection over the phone will be highly valuable for them.

Further initiatives by the library will be announced soon.

Visit the libraries page on Council’s website or phone 6770 3636 for further information. 

Published on 24 Mar 2020