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Newcastle Libraries

Avid readers will be able to turn the pages of their favourite books once again following the launch of a new Newcastle Libraries service, Library 2U, which will see books, movies and music delivered to the homes of members.

The initiative ensures Newcastle Libraries members can continue to connect with library services during the current stay at home orders, following the temporary closure of all branches when lockdown began in early-August.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that Novocastrians love connecting with their libraries and the service will keep the community informed and entertained during a trying time.

"With more than 96,000 members, and loans reaching 1.3 million in the last year, it is clear that our community values the services and connection that the city's libraries offer," Cr Nelmes said.

"Everyone loves the feeling of being transported into the world of their favourite book or movie and although we can't yet welcome people back inside branches, we're pleased to be able to launch Library 2U.

"All it takes is a quick phone call or completing an online form and library staff will consider your preferences and hand-pick a selection of reading, watching or listening options, which will arrive at your door via contactless delivery the following business day."

Library 2U is available now to all Newcastle Libraries members residing in the Newcastle Local Government Area. Up to five items will be selected for members based on their preferences and members can keep loans until return chutes reopen.

A click and collect service may also soon be available following recent changes to the Public Health Order allowing libraries to facilitate collections. The Newcastle Libraries click and collect service is expected to commence in early October.

Membership to Newcastle Libraries and the Library 2U service is free and can be arranged by phoning 4974 5300 or visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library

While library branches are closed members can access the eLibrary for a range of eBooks, eAudiobooks, music, movies, magazines and newspapers, by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library or downloading the Newcastle Libraries app.

Newcastle Libraries membership and loan statistics:

• Total membership is 96,603

• In the last year Newcastle Libraries have gained almost 9,000 new members.

• There were over 11,000 library app downloads in the last year

• In the last financial year the library has celebrated 1.3 million loans in total across its physical and eLibrary selection. Fiction loans account for 55% of total loans

• eLibrary loans account for just under 40% of all loans

• Within the eLibrary, 40% are eBooks and eAudiobooks, 20% of loans are music, movies and TV, 20% are magazines and newspapers and remainder are online learning and research databases.

Lake Mac Libraries

Lake Mac Libraries’ members will be able to borrow items from Monday 27 September, despite the doors being closed, thanks to the introduction of a click and collect service.

Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said customers could reserve books, DVDs and other items online or via the new Lake Mac Libraries app, then pick up their order at designated times and locations.

“Our staff will process the orders, bundle the items, in a takeaway-style service designed to maintain social distancing and avoid people congregating,” Ms Hemsley said.

“With so many people at home, there is a hunger for books and other materials to keep kids and adults entertained, educated and enriched – we’re here to help.”

Initially, pick-ups can be booked in between 10am-2pm on Mondays and Wednesdays at Lake Mac Libraries’ Charlestown, Toronto, Belmont, Cardiff and Speers Point branches, and 10am-2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Morisset, Edgeworth, Windale, Wangi and Swansea.

Strict measures will be in place at each location to maintain social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19, and all borrowers will receive prior instructions regarding pick up.

“We will monitor the service constantly to ensure it is managed safely, effectively and in line with government health recommendations,” Ms Hemsley said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the libraries introduced an extended delivery service in 2020, making it easier to borrow in a COVIDsafe way.

“Council staff delivered more than 20,000 items to 2000 homes during last year’s lockdown, and it’s great to see Council offering a similar library service again – this time click and collect, in line with the most recent changes for libraries under the Public Health Order,” Cr Fraser said.

“These are small but important measures to ensure we get through this challenging time together.

“We will do what we can to help, and I encourage everyone to do the same in the weeks ahead as we look to re-opening more Council facilities in line with the NSW Government’s roadmap.”

All click and collect items will have a six-week loan period.

Go to library.lakemac.com.au for more information about Lake Mac Libraries services, or to download the app for Apple and Android devices.

Cessnock City Libraries

The team at Cessnock City Library are proud to present residents with a free Click/Call & Collect service, which kicked off on Monday 20 September.

Residents who have been wanting to stock up on books, magazines, DVDs or kids’ books during lockdown can now use this service, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Simply follow the steps below to use the Click/Call & Collect service:

1. Call Cessnock (4993 4399) or Kurri Kurri (4937 1638) or submit the ‘Click & Collect’ form on the Library website. Items can be reserved for free and the library staff are happy to help with your selection.

2. The friendly library staff will prepare and pack your loan.

3. Staff will organise a time for you to collect from either Cessnock or Kurri Kurri Libraries. Please collect at the agreed time to ensure everyone’s safety.

Cessnock City Library Services Coordinator, Rose-marie Walters is pleased to be able to offer this service to residents during what has been a difficult time for many.

“The current lockdown restrictions have put a lot of additional stress on local residents and businesses, and I know many people use reading as a chance to relax and unwind.”

“We have designed a contactless and stress-free pick up system, whereby residents can just call us once they arrive and the items will be placed on a table outside the library doors. Once you have finished with your items, simply return through the chute and there will be no overdue fees,” added Rose-marie.

Due to the current Public Health Order, Cessnock City Library can only offer the Click/Call & Collect and the Home Library Service.

For more information and to book your Click & Collect today, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/libraries/Click-Collect.