Seeking Expressions of Interest for trial library delivery service

Bega Valley Shire Library is seeking expressions of interest from Shire residents for a trial service called Library Link, which will deliver library materials to people in their homes or via village-based pick-up points.

Library Link is a temporary service and aims to support the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and isolated people and families in our community who are finding it difficult to physically get to our libraries to borrow items during the COVID-19 period.

Library Coordinator, Megan Jordan-Jones says the service will be offered as a trial for six months so the library can gauge overall demand from the community and effectiveness of the service.

“We want to make sure that people can still access the books, magazines, audiobooks and movies they enjoy, to help them get through this difficult time,” she said.

Library Link will be a home or ‘hub’ delivery service. Hubs are village post offices or businesses which have agreed to be drop-off and pick-up points.

“It will not be possible to deliver to all addresses within the Shire, but if you qualify for Library Link you may be able to pick up your library selections from a hub in a nearby village,” added Ms Jordan-Jones.

If accepted into the trial, people will have up to 10 items per library member delivered on a four-weekly basis.

Library Link clients can make their own selections through the library’s online catalogue or library staff will make personalised selections for people based on reading and listening preferences and favourite authors.

People wishing to use Library Link must meet at least two of the following eligibility criteria:

  • I have little or no connectivity and I am unable to access eResources
  • I am over 65 years of age
  • I have a health vulnerability and/or a disability
  • I live alone
  • I have transport issues.

Library Link will operate under strict social distancing, quarantine and sanitisation protocols. All library items will be quarantined and cleaned before delivery and after pick-up.

To submit an Expression of Interest for Library Link, phone 6499 2127, email librarylink@begavalley.nsw.gov.au or visit our website https://library.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

Source: Bega Valley Shire Council