Local residents are being advised of changes to the region's libraries due to current Coronavirus precautions.
From Monday 23 March 2020, the Bundaberg Library will limit entry to only those persons loaning or returning books and other loan items.
All publicly accessible computers and wi-fi in the Bundaberg Library will be switched off and unavailable for use.
Bundaberg Regional Council's Manager of Library Services Peta Browne said residents were being urged to instead take advantage of the Libraries’ online services, which were available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the website.
“What some people may not realise is our library services extend to online, are available 24/7 and can be utilised from the comfort of your own home,” she said.
“This is particularly helpful during this period of time when people are being asked to self-isolate.”
Peta said online services included the loan of eBooks and eAudiobooks, downloadable music, digital magazines, eMovies and more.
“Children can also access these services as well as children’s movies, stories, and educational resources,” she said.
Peta said those who wished to return or loan items at their local library were being asked to take part in rigorous hygiene practices, as recommended by health authorities.
“Hand soap is available in all bathrooms, and where available, hand sanitiser has been made available for visitors to use,” she said.
“We would like to remind library visitors to follow basic hygiene, social distancing, isolation and hand washing directions as advised by Queensland Health.”
Peta said during the uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic, all library public programs and group meetings/activities had been cancelled until the end of May 2020.
“This includes regular children’s programs, digital literacy sessions, school holiday activities, after school clubs/activities, Writing Fridays, Yarning Meet up, book clubs and more,” she said.
“We have a list and information available on our website.” “The libraries can also be contacted by phone or email for any information requests, loan extensions and more.”
Library increases
Peta said to help patrons with reading material and access to resources during this time, the following increases have been put into place:
• Loans will increase from 20 to 40 per borrower
• DVD loans will increase from 7 to 10 per borrower
• Loan periods will increase from three weeks to six weeks for ordinary items
• Loan periods will increase from one week to three weeks for DVD loans
• Loan period will increase from one week to three weeks for Fastbacks
• Renewals will be for three weeks
• Visitor loans and loan periods will remain the same
“More eBook and eAudiobook titles will also be added to our platforms to ensure people have a range of titles to choose from,” Peta said.
“Obviously this situation continues to develop so we are closely monitoring it and will implement further changes if deemed necessary.”
To find out more about library online services click here.
Why has the library changed its login? The new borrow box is very difficult to use and doesn’t actually have the books I have borrowed identified.
Hi Martin, thank you for the feedback. One of our library staff will contact you by phone to help troubleshoot the issue. Kind regards, Peta (Bundaberg Regional Libraries).