The Ararat Regional Library is still loaning books to residents despite COVID-19 restrictions thanks to a new approach.
The Library’s “Drop and Swap” program sees residents phone or message staff to lodge requests, with staff dropping off and swapping over books, magazines and other material to their homes within Ararat.
Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison said Library staff wanted to ensure residents still have access to books, DVDs, periodicals, magazines, e-books, audio books and children’s stories through the library.
Dr Harrison said all material is sanitised before and after loans, with staff ensuring they maintain physical distancing and strict hygiene practices when dropping off items.
“Under Swap and Drop, residents can call, email or Facebook message their requests to Library staff, who are delivering twice a week,” Dr Harrison said.
“We are currently restricted to local stock only as we cannot access other library’s stocks, but there is still a lot of material to choose from, including e-books and e-audio-books.
“The Library also has a streaming service called Kanopy through which Library users can access 10 free videos a month, which is another great option.”
Dr Harrison said residents from areas outside Ararat can pick up items from the library with prior arrangement – just phone the library to organise a time.
“The Library will also be donating ex-loan books that can be picked up from the front of the Library and selected locations across the municipality. There are no need to return these books,” he said.
