Despite being closed to the public due to COVID-19 the Mount Gambier Library continues to offer modified services to the community electronically and via a ‘click and collect’ arrangement.
“Keeping the community safe is our priority, and whilst the decision to close our doors was initially hard to comprehend, it is a necessity,” Mount Gambier Library Manager Georgina Davison said.
Customers can reserve items including DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, jigsaws and other items online or over the phone with Library staff available Monday to Friday.
“We appreciate that books can be a welcome respite from the current state of affairs and can provide comfort for those in social isolation as well as educational resources for home schooling,” Mrs Davison said.
With strict hygiene procedures in place, items are being quarantined prior to becoming available for customers.
Library staff have also been busy creating innovative programs online.
The team have really embraced the online delivery of services and our first ‘Storytime’ recording on our Facebook page had an impressive 9,000 views.
– Library Manager Georgina Davison
“We will continue to deliver our under five program every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30am via our Facebook page and we hope this will go a little way to keeping children entertained and smiling during this difficult time.”
“Our Tech Heads and LEGO Fan Club programs have returned to their ordinary time slots of Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00pm respectively with online challenges to complete at home,” Mrs Davison said.
A number of other library resources can also be accessed online including eBooks, eAudio books and e-magazines, Storybox for children, Cultural Atlas and Lynda.com that contains thousands of video training courses for design, IT, photography, web, music, animation and more.
The Library has also welcomed an initiative from history research program Ancestry Library Edition enabling remote access to this resource.
“Until now access to Ancestry Library Edition for USA, UK and Australian history research was only available from library computers however with libraries closed to the public the vendor has provided remote access via our website for people to use from their home computers,” Mrs Davison said.
To keep up-to-date on how the Library can continue to assist you during the closure follow Mount Gambier Library’s Facebook page, visit the website www.mountgambier.com.au/library or phone and speak to one of the team.
