Council’s Manager Library Services, Michelle Hudson, is looking forward to welcoming people back to Kiama Library again.

“We’ve been closed to the public for eleven weeks, and people have been accessing our books via other means,” she says.

“I’m not sure what the demand will be to visit, but we are hoping that people will come in, select their books and leave.

“We are calling it Library Express.”

The space can accommodate 30 people, in addition to staff, so numbers will be monitored.

“We are asking people who are unwell not to come into the Library. Give us a ring and we can drop some books off,” she says.

The existing Home Library service came into its own during the lockdown, with many more people who were unable to leave their homes having their books delivered and collected by Council staff.

The introduction of the Click & Collect service was very popular, with people ordering their books online or by phone and collecting them themselves.

“We were kept so busy with Click & Collect we didn’t have time for some other projects on our list,” says Ms Hudson.

“It was a great success, but we are phasing it out now restrictions have lifted.”

Use of the Library’s extensive eBook resources also went up dramatically.

To coincide with the reopening, the Library is introducing the Kiama Library app as an interface for all its services.

“During the closure we’ve been working on the development of the app to meet our needs,” says Ms Hudson.

“As part of it, we will be one of the first libraries in Australia that will be allowing people to check out their own books.”

People will also be able to access the catalogue and book into programs, like talks and children’s sessions, once they are being offered again.

As a safety precaution, all returned books will continue to be quarantined for three days before going back on the shelves.

Details: The Kiama Library app is available for download from your usual app store.