With Stage 3 restrictions coming into effect across regional areas, many doors at Southern Grampians Shire Council have closed including the Greater Hamilton Library and Mobile Library.
Library Services Coordinator Kelly Pitt-Lancaster would like the community to know that while customers are unable to visit in person, access to library services will continue in alternative ways as staff remain onsite and working to help the Southern Grampians community.
“Since the first round of closures we have continued to offer digital story-time and craft sessions for the little ones via the Greater Hamilton Library Facebook page. Once a month we have also been sharing messages from high-profile members of our community with some fun ‘Your Community’ story-times,” Ms Pitt-Lancaster said.
“We’ve got lots of ideas for some digital content to share with the kids especially during the home-schooling period so we really encourage everyone to stay in touch with us via Facebook”.
The library also has a variety of digital resources available for members including Storybox and literacy and numeracy apps for kids, newspapers and magazines online, movie streaming, family history, eBooks and eAudio books.
“Memberships can be created online through the Central Highlands webpage or we can assist you to sign up over the phone,” Ms Pitt-Lancaster said.
“We understand how vital it is for people to still be able to access free resources throughout the lockdown period. This is why, we’re pleased to offer for our staff to personally select and source items which can either be picked up from the library or delivered to your door anywhere within Southern Grampians. While we are working with limited access to items through the Libraries Victoria network, we know this will be a huge benefit to some members of our community who may be missing visiting us in person,” Ms Pitt-Lancaster said.
The library will be providing the following options:
Pick Up Service – Library Foyer
Monday 1.00pm until 3.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am until 12.00pm
Friday 1.00pm until 3.00pm
Delivery Service – to your home
Tuesday Hamilton
Thursday Hamilton
Friday Other Southern Grampians communities
All of these services are contactless and we ask all patrons to follow social distancing and sanitising protocols when collecting items. These services were well patronised during the last closure and we’d like all our members to know that they can take advantage of either service by simply calling the library on 03 55730470.
The book return chute at the front of the Library also remains open for all returns and all due dates will once again be automatically extended.
‘We remind our customers that, although the door is closed, we’re still available to help you in whatever way we can, whether that is scanning to email, accessing any of the digital apps or book collection options. While we can’t help you in person we will endeavour to extend our services to you wherever possible,” Ms Pitt-Lancaster concluded.
Contact the Greater Hamilton Library: 03 55730470, library@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au or www.centralhighlandslibraries.org.au