After closing its library doors to the public on 20 March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Murrindindi Shire Council launched its new ‘book butler’ service on 25 March. Since then the Murrindindi Library Service has helped over 200 library members get access to books and other items to get them through the new ‘stay at home’ restrictions.
Cr Rebecca Bowles, Portfolio Councillor for Environment, Library Services and Information Technology, said she was thrilled with the response from the community to this new service.
‘I know our library staff were devastated by the news that branches were closing and were so pleased to be able to offer a safe alternative service for members.
‘Our customer service team has been receiving initial enquiries and then our library staff has been contacting library members by phone to see what they are looking for. This is where the library team get to have a chat with the people they would ordinarily see coming through the library branch doors to see how they are travelling.
‘While the books are important, the social connections libraries offer are equally special, so it is great the team can stay in touch with their regulars’, added Cr Bowles.
‘The library team is then dropping items around to our members’ homes – safely and while maintaining the appropriate social distance, of course’.
‘Items to keep the kids busy and happy during the school holidays are proving popular, alongside the usual suspects of light fiction and some more serious reading material. And of course there are also requests for DVDs and audio material for those who prefer those formats’, said Cr Bowles
‘If you are interested in getting hold of some library items, give us a call. Don’t worry if you aren’t a member – we can sign you up over the phone. Just call us on 5772
