Livingstone Libraries continue to support the community amid restrictions

While physical books are unable to be borrowed, Council has seen a 200 per cent increase in online memberships in the past month, when compared to March 2020.

Mayor Andy Ireland said just like many other areas of Council’s operations, its library staff have been working hard to provide access to collections and services remotely.

“As social distancing protocols are encouraging people to access their library online, Livingstone Shire Library, along with libraries around the world, is seeing a major increase in interest in digital resources,” Mayor Ireland said.

“There has been a marked increase in the demand for e-books and audiobooks with over 10,000 loaned in the last four weeks with the biggest increase seen in the children and young adult section.

“Not everyone is familiar with apps and streaming so the library has responded by developing videos on its Facebook Page to help people make the most of these resources.

“The wonderful team is continuing to support the community in a variety of ways, including reaching out with a courtesy call to over 400 residents aged over 70 who borrow from Council’s libraries.”

Council’s First 5 Forever children’s programming has also evolved into weekly online Story Times on Facebook, where viewers get to meet a variety of animals on the farm of programme facilitator Sally Faulkner.

Although Council’s face-to-face interaction in Customer Support services has temporarily ceased, Council has seen an increase in the use of its suite of online services.

Livingstone Shire Library is also looking to help people in the community who are not yet library members. Residents can join anytime online via the library website to get instant access to all of the digital platforms.

Visit the Livingstone Library Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/lsclibraries or Council’s website at https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/168/Libraries for more information.