Canberrans will have more opportunities to lose themselves in a good book with registrations now open for free contactless delivery of library resources.
“Just in time for school holidays, the popular Mystery Box and Home Library services are back, delivering items such as books and DVDs to your front door,” Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel commented “The team at Libraries ACT have been working to bring these services back in a COVID-safe way. We know many Canberrans will be keen to take advantage of them while they are doing the right thing by our community and staying at home.”
“Canberrans who want to request a Mystery Box can choose from a list of categories that interest them. The library team will use this list to hand-pick a surprise collection for delivery.” Minister Steel commented “This can include books or DVDs, across categories like mystery, thriller, romance, children’s picture books and many more. It’s a great way to find a new author or rediscover an old favourite, our home library service is also back online from today. This service is tailored for anyone who isn’t physically able to make it to a branch because of a disability, illness or limited mobility.” The Minister went on to explain that new members are welcome to join the Home Library Service, but will need a written referral from their doctor, nurse, community worker or the Canberra Blind Society. The Minister said that with library branches currently closed, the digital resources section of the Libraries ACT website has seen a very strong uptick in traffic, including from many first-time users.
“Our video streaming service Kanopy has been a popular choice for Canberrans, with downloads increasing by 67 per cent over the last few weeks, we have also recently launched a digital only program – the ‘Too Busy Book Club’ – including a Facebook discussion group that has got off to a great start with more than 300 members.” Minister Steel commented “The Libraries ACT website has lots of great ways to keep the whole family busy, including a variety of fun and educational school holiday activities like yoga, Zentangle drawing classes, creative writing workshops and spring gardening advice.”
The Minister said that deliveries to home addresses of Mystery Box and the Home Library Service will commence later this week. More information on how to book a delivery can be found on the Libraries ACT website. Assistance is available on 6207 7265 for those who need help from a library staff member to get started with digital resources or with completing online registrations.
