Book issues soar in the new year
Young library users enjoying some reading time.
Book issues have soared at both the Cambridge and Te Awamutu libraries as book lovers head back to the library after the holidays.
In the first three weeks since both facilities reopened their doors on Monday 11 January, more than 22,000 books have been issued from the Cambridge library and 10,000 from the Te Awamutu library.
Waipā District Council community services manager Sally Sheedy said in the first week alone 10,000 books were taken out at the Cambridge library.
“It has been full steam ahead at both libraries since reopening. Residents are very pleased to get back to the library after the facilities were shut for an extended break to give staff some much needed time off after a tough year.
“Our staff have come back well rested and ready for a busy year ahead. We have also been joined by our community librarians which is very exciting.”
Three community librarians have been recruited to promote digital inclusion and support job seekers with anything from computer literacy to learning how to write a CV in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The positions are funded by the New Zealand Libraries Partnership Programme from a funding package of $58.8 million entrusted to National Library by the Government to lead and support Covid-19 recovery work across New Zealand’s library system over two to four years.
Sheedy said residents needing assistance could pop into the library and speak to a staff member or call 0800 WAIPADC and ask to be put through to the library.
“We are thrilled to have these new staff with us and strongly encourage residents to come into the libraries and take advantage of the services they provide.”
Sheedy said another new addition to the libraries is an improved online catalogue system which allows library users to search for or renew books, put them on hold and view their loan history.
“We’re pleased to have this system in place and believe our library users will enjoy how easy it is to use and the increased access it provides to our collection.”
It can be accessed through the libraries website at www.waipalibraries.govt.nz.
