By Romy Stephens
The staff at Eastern Regional Libraries (ERL) are being applauded for their efforts in keeping the community reading during lockdown over the past few months.
Upwey’s Cherry Axel said the library had kept up an “incredibly responsive, flexible and creative service” over the Covid-19 lockdown period.
“They’re all heroes at ERL. They have kept up a seamless supply of books and videos to us throughout these last few months, despite the ever changing different statutory Covid restrictions rules and regulations,” she said.
Ms Axel said she was very grateful that the library had kept her spirit up and provided something to look forward to during these difficult times.
But continuing to provide services during Covid-19 hasn’t been smooth sailing for the teams at ERL.
Branches in the Yarra Ranges, including Belgrave, Healesville, Lilydale, Montrose and Yarra Junction have adapted by introducing a click and collect system and home delivery system during different stages of the lockdown.
The library service has also worked hard to keep up its weekly storytime sessions online.
ERL customer experience manager Sarah Hopkins said it had been a challenging year for local libraries. But she said it was vital for ERL to remain connected with communities during such difficult times.
“It has been a whirlwind of re-imagining and re-designing the library service and thinking creatively about how we can keep people connected to their library collections,” she said.
“When we were told to close the doors back in March, none of us could imagine the number of changes we have been through to get to where we are now.”
“The library is a community resource and when schools and other venues and services were closed, it was very important that people could still get something to read, watch or listen to for free.”
Belgrave Library team leader Federica Mastrangelo said it was “reward for our efforts” to receive such positive feedback from the community.
“We received lots of lovely appreciation cards and notes, even chocolates. Families especially were thankful for our selections that covered everyone including activity packs,” she said.
It’s expected to be quite some time before all parts of the library service are back to full operation, with baby steps anticipated to be taken in the meantime.
Ms Mastrangelo said staff would “look forward” to seeing patrons again.
“It will mean a lot of easing back in with limited numbers but it will be nice to see some normality again,” she said.
To find out more about ERL and its online services, visit www.yourlibrary.com.au or Eastern Regional Libraries on Facebook.
