Community embraces our library during uncertain times

2020 has been a big year for our Library. Since our six branches reopened on 1 June, we’ve seen a record 621,720 visitors, up 28,000 compared to the same timeframe last year.

Our library branches are enjoyed by all ages and people aren’t just visiting to borrow – they come to study, play, work and access Wi-Fi. 

We were the first NSW Library to open our doors after COVID in June and welcome our community back into branches after delivering our Library2U service, which saw us deliver over 41,000 items to residents’ front doors. The delivery service was loved and helped keep our community entertained during lockdown, making their days a little brighter.

More people are borrowing in our e-Library too with a 30 percent increase in eBooks and eAudiobooks loans than last year. We’ve also seen a big increase in eMagazines, with an expanded offering of more than 3,000 titles.

Our Home Library Service continued to deliver throughout the pandemic and 29,615 items have been delivered to over 300 clients from Palm Beach to Manly in 2020. It’s been great to see some of our volunteers returning to deliveries in the last couple of months.

While our programs were on hold, we delivered online Rhyme Time and Story Time too. It’s not too late to enjoy some of the online fun, get involved in our latest COVID-safe program, Click and Create, where you order a craft kit and follow a tutorial to make it at home.

It’s been a big year for our Library but there will be more to come in 2021. Keep an eye on our What’s On page to find out the latest.