Library service responds to COVID-19
Bega Valley Shire Library is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on its operations, programs and public spaces, and is encouraging everyone to become familiar with its online collections.
18 March 2010
Bega Valley Shire Library is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on its operations, programs and public spaces, and is encouraging everyone to become familiar with its online collections.
“Our library users, staff, volunteers and communities are our utmost priority, so we encourage people to access our Story Box, eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks,” Acting Library Coordinator, Megan Jordan-Jones said.
“We have a detailed response plan and various library services will be modified, or may cease, to reflect the developing situation over the coming weeks and months.”
Staff at all Shire libraries are already undertaking thorough daily cleaning of computer areas, keyboards, mouses, self-check machines, screens, surfaces and returned items.
“We regret that face-to-face Storytime and Rhymetime sessions have been cancelled until further notice and we will not run an April school holiday program,” Ms Jordan-Jones said.
“However, the library will provide online Storytime and Rhymetime sessions with crafts that children can copy along to at home. Another great alternative is Story Box, an online reading room for children available to library members for free via our website.
“If library members are isolated, they can still download eMagazines, eBooks and Audiobooks to their personal device 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere using a personal device connected to the internet.
“Now’s the time to join the library and set yourself up with downloadable resources for all the family.”
It’s free to join the Bega Valley Shire Library and temporary membership can be set up online.
Changes to library services and opening hours will be communicated through the library website, Facebook page and signage at libraries.
“We are playing our part in protecting our community by doing everything we can to contain the spread of infection, but we need everyone to help,” Ms Jordan-Jones said.
“If you have any symptoms, please respect other library users and staff by not visiting our libraries. Instead, give us a call on 02 6499 2127 to see if we can help you with your library needs some other way or visit our website at library.begavalley.nsw.gov.au,” says Ms Jordan-Jones.
COVID-19 - What can you do?
Clean your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay at home if sick.
Take personal responsibility for social distancing, meaning keeping a distance of 1.5m between people where possible, avoiding shaking hands, hugging or kissing others.
Avoid small gatherings in enclosed spaces and crowds where it is difficult to keep the appropriate distance away from others.
Need to see a doctor? Some local GP clinics are offering carpark and Skype consultations. Call ahead to see what your doctor recommends.
To protect our vulnerable community members, NSW Health advises to reduce visitor numbers to residential aged care facilities and hospitals. Please avoid visiting those with lower or compromised immune systems.
The Australian Government has advised that non-essential gatherings over 500 people be postponed, and that non-essential meetings of critical workforces such as health care professionals and emergency services be limited.
You can be more informed and stay up to date via the NSW Health website on www.health.nsw.gov.au/Coronavirus
Making an enquiry
All media enquiries and interview requests are coordinated by Council's Communication and Events team under the adopted Communications Policy. To view this policy, visit Public Policies and search 'communications'.
To submit a media enquiry or to request an interview:
- email media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
- call 02 6499 2222
Councillors
Councillors can be contacted directly for enquiries regarding decisions of the elected Council and non-operational matters. Interviews with the Mayor should be arranged through the Communication and Events team contact details above.
Receiving information
If you’re a journalist or media organisation that would like to receive media releases and notifications about media opportunities, please email your name, title and contact details to media@begavalley.nsw.gov.au and we will add you to our distribution list.
You can also subscribe to Bega Valley Together and Business News, Council's fortnightly e-newsletters, or follow @begavalleyshirecouncil on Facebook and Instagram.
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
-
Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332
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