Macquarie Regional Library, Dubbo branch sees regulars start to return

Since reopening at the start of July, manager Kathryn McAlister said the library regulars and families had slowly started returning.

"When we did open the comments from the community were absolutely wonderful. Everybody understood the reasons why and a lot of our regulars were very happy to see the library open again," Ms McAlister said.

"That really was a lift to us, the staff, to think that they were happy that we were open."

The library branches are now seeing about 2000 visits per week, while the virtual story time Stories at Homes is attracting an average of 100 views every week.

ALSO MAKING NEWS:

When the library was forced to close its doors, Ms McAlister said the staff worked hard behind-the-scenes to adapt to the changing service needs of the community.

Online memberships were launched, more emphasis was placed on digital resources like ebooks and eaudio, events went virtual and the Book Express home delivery services was announced.

Ms McAlister said it was exciting that traditional process had been smashed.

"We can offer a lot of new services via digital and online means. We're certainly pleased to do so and we take feedback from the community about what services they may like to see the library offer," she said.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic the library had started injecting additional funds into ebooks and eaudiobooks to help meet the growing demand.

The Book Express delivery service is still available and the manager said it was going well.

"We do them every week and we invite anybody who wants the service to give us a call and we'll certainly undertake deliveries to them as quickly as possible," Ms McAlister said.

"We understand that people are wanting to stay at home and isolate at home so we're more than happy to deliver the service as its needed."

The borrowing limit has also been increased to 40 to allow people the option of borrowing more and therefore not having to visit the library as often.

Ms McAlister said it was generally families who were taking advantage of the large number of things they could borrow.

"Some people say that they'll lose too many books and too many books would be left under the bed," she said.

Story time and rhyme time have both returned at the Dubbo branch, but the sessions are capped at 20 people and bookings are required.