|
Overview
Report of the South Coast Cooperative Libraries Annual Report 2021-2022
Ms Anne Lee -
Acting Manager, Shoalhaven Libraries provided an overview on behalf of Sarah
Taylor, Manager, South Coast Cooperative Libraries.
·
Business is slowly returning to normal after the COVID-19
restrictions that occurred over the past year.
·
In this financial year over 20,000 new physical items were
added to the collection, offering customers a total physical and digital
collection of over 491,000 items.
·
There are over 62,500 eBooks, 92,000 eAudio books and over 400
eMagazines that can be accessed.
·
The split of physical and electronic titles is reviewed on an
ongoing basis.
·
Loans of digital items have increased by 4,200 compared to the
previous year.
·
Anne extended her thanks to partner
Library Manager Michelle Hudson for her ongoing dedication and
professionalism.
Overview Report
of the Shoalhaven Library Services Manager
Ms Nicole
Lonesborough - Acting Manager, Shoalhaven Libraries provided a report on
behalf of Sarah Taylor - Manager, Shoalhaven Libraries:
·
Lots of highlights and challenges throughout the past year.
Some of the challenges included:
o
Having to close the libraries while the stay at home orders
were in place.
o
Once the libraries were able to reopen, there were extra
demands on staff in having to check vaccination status of patrons, enforce
mask wearing and rigorous cleaning schedules.
·
Everyone did a fabulous job keeping the community safe.
·
The closure resulted in staff learning new skills to provide
services in new ways - videography, editing and online production. These
services have continued to be provided.
·
Home library service continued.
·
Introduction of Doorstep Library and Click, Call & Collect
service
·
The “Book A Visit” from the Mobile Library program
where families could book the Mobile Library service to visit their home to
borrow books was very popular.
·
Renewed digital services to be used at home – Kinderling,
National Geographic Kids for the younger community and Hoopla which is a
collection of comics, music and movies for all ages.
·
Business returned to normal by the end of the year with
libraries running programs & events again - History Week, Seniors Festival
and Harmony Week.
·
One of the biggest events was the Big Belated Book Launch which
involved approximately 12 local authors and illustrators who had published a
book during COVID but hadn’t been able to launch their books.
·
June saw the launch of the live website.
·
Ulladulla Library trialled Sunday openings which have proved
popular and remain in place.
·
Sanctuary Point Library is progressing with public art concepts
being determined and artists being selected.
·
Shoalhaven Library Strategic plan due to be completed very
soon.
Overview Report
of the Kiama Library Services Manager
Michelle
Hudson - Manager, Library Services, provided a report from Kiama Library.
·
During the lockdown period, Children’s programs were able
to be moved online quickly as a result of the previous lockdown experience.
·
Click & Collect service was provided from 20 September 2021
which was very welcomed by the community with very positive feedback.
·
The opening of Gerringong Library took place on 1 December 2021
– it was anticipated that some Covid restrictions would lift at this
time but this didn’t happen, however the event was very successful with
approximately 500 people attending. The event showcased the library programs
and activities that are offered at the Library as well as a smoking ceremony
taking place.
·
The new library & museum has presented opportunities to
share programs/experiences – the National Archaeology Week was very
popular and successful.
·
Diagon Alley Twilight Youth Maker Market was a highlight with
approximately 500 people attending the event.
·
Sincere thanks and gratitude to all the staff for their efforts
and dedication to the library.
Councillor
Butler commended all the staff in all the libraries in getting through the
challenges over the past two years, continuing to provide the services that they
have, being inventive and seeing great results.
The Annual Report from the South Coast Cooperative
Libraries Services was presented. The report highlights the myriad services,
resources and programs that are provided to our community through the public
library service.
|