Connect and escape with the library

THE city’s three public libraries are striving to be the literary and physical escapes people need while flowing in and out of heavy COVID-19 restrictions.

Ballarat Libraries’ Doveton Street, Sebastopol, and Wendouree facilities are continuing to engage the community by offering non-contact click-and-collect and book tailor borrowing services during lockdowns, and when the centres are open, providing all the in-person technologies a remote worker might need.

Acting community engagement and partnerships coordinator Julie Stevens said the libraries provide “critical” community resources, and have expert staff to guide readers to titles they may enjoy, or challenge them with something a bit different.

The central Library location has 26 popular workstations, catering to many people who are working independently, want a change of scenery, or need a professional space away from others in their own home during the daytime.

“A library empowers people to discover, learn and explore for a host of reasons and it is always our goal to enable that engagement and accessibility, whether from home during COVID-19, or by coming in when people can,” Ms Stevens said.

“Our book tailor service allows customers to fill out what their reading preferences are online and, by correlating these with what they are borrowing, we are able to build a profile which enables us to make qualified suggestions for their next read.”

Wendouree Library has been invaluable in the last 18 months for regular borrower Natasha, and her family.

“It’s allowed continuity. We love books in our family, and it has allowed that to continue,” she said.

“It has also allowed me as an adult to escape. Books are a great escape. Being able to see the library staff also breaks up the day and gives us a tiny piece of normality.”

Rebecca is a regular at the Doveton Street facility and said a visit to the space is always a highlight of any day.

“It breaks up the week and gives us something to look forward to. Books and reading help to get you through hard times,” she said.

Under the State’s Public Libraries Funding Program, The City of Ballarat is receiving more than $720,000 to strengthen their resources and collections, and the Baby Book initiative operated in partnership with the maternal and child health program.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison this funding injection will help Ballarat Libraries “evolve” their service provision to the community with innovation.

“Digital resources and children’s programs… encourage lifelong learning,” she said.

“I’m proud to support our libraries across Ballarat which are helping people feel less lonely and isolated during the pandemic.”

Before the pandemic, up to 1200 people were visiting Ballarat Libraries daily.