Library tailors book bundles for home borrowers

BALLARAT Libraries have had to be creative in the way they offer some of their most basic services during the pandemic.

While people can only visit for one hour, and 20 can be in the building at once, Ballarat Library team leader, Julie Stevens said she’s seen a reluctance amongst borrowers, not comfortable to come into the CBD, Wendouree and Sebastopol centres.

“We know that reading is so important for health and wellbeing, a wonderful relaxation tool, it contributes to lifelong learning and has so many wonderful benefits,” she said.

“We want people to still access our resources, so we put our minds to thinking about how we can offer services in a different way.”

The Book Tailor is one of these alternatives, inviting child and adult members to give library staff the opportunity to choose their borrowing bundles for them, whether they’re interested in books, talking books, magazines or DVDs.

“It’s simply a matter of calling, or completing a form on our website and filling it in,” Ms Stevens said.

“It asks how many items you’d like, and what type, what you like and don’t like, and we choose on your behalf.

“Once we have the stack ready for them, within 48 hours, we let people know that they’re ready and they can collect them at any of the branches.”

With each resource hand selected by the library staff, Ms Stevens said her team enjoys doing it and they’re “very good at it.”

“It’s something we do ordinarily anyway, but it’s one of the things we all love about our jobs.

“Some people love the choices we make on their behalf when they’re looking for a surprise. Often we choose things that are slightly outside their comfort zone that might push them a little bit,” she said.

“You often get the best reading experiences when it’s something you might not have otherwise picked up. I think people will be pleasantly surprised about what gets put aside for them.”

Visit facebook.com/ballaratlibraries or call 5338 6850, to access the service or more information. Ballarat Libraries encourage member feedback regarding this initiative.