Council's Library2U program has delivered 21,133 books, DVD’s and CDs to 9,500 households across the Northern Beaches since the program began in April.
Library2U was developed and implemented as a result of health orders requiring the closure of library branches. Residents request their loans online and they are delivered to their door. They can choose specific books in the catalogue or ask for a librarian’s choice.
Four weeks later the books are collected.
Mayor Michael Regan said he was thrilled Council was able to provide this alternate library service during challenging times.
“The COVID-19 pandemic had forced us all to change the way we live our lives and at Council we moved to quickly come up ways to do things differently.
“We know people love to use our libraries but the community response to this program has been incredible.
“We have redeployed staff from other parts of our businesses which are temporarily closed such as our aquatic centres to keep up with the demand.
“Council is always looking at innovative ways to serve the community and it’s fantastic to have residents so enthusiastically embrace the Library2U program.
“With so many of us working from home, kids home from school and regulations requiring us to stay indoors as much as possible, the Library2U service is the right service for the right time.
“Given the success of the Library 2U program, I’ve also heard other Councils across Sydney are looking to potentially echo what we have done, so it’s great to be pioneers in what are challenging times for many people,’’ the Mayor said.
The Library2U service is open to all Northern Beaches residents.