In a bid to keep readers fully stocked with books during the lockdown despite Orange City Library being closed, Central West Libraries has been running a "knock and drop" delivery service.
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According to Central West Libraries reading and writing coordinator Jasmine Vidler, the contactless service involves people reserving items online and then staff calling them to check delivery details.
So far, the service has proved so popular library staff have been "run off their feet" filling members' orders for books, magazines, audiobooks and DVDs.
"It's frantic.... We've got three staff members downstairs every day pulling things off the shelves for people that [have been] requested and then mapping out the routes and doing deliveries. It's been very hectic. The phone's very busy," Ms Vidler said.
"People are very keen to be entertained.... [and] there's no rush to return things because we understand it's difficult at the moment and we want to encourage people not to leave home."
When it comes to locals' locked-down reading habits, the books in hot demand have been crime stories, according to Ms Vidler.
The second biggest genre for page turners has been romance, followed by Australian authors.
Audio books are also proving "very popular", as well as children's books.
While Central West Libraries are not able to collect books and other borrowed items, loans have been extended so library members can return them themselves once Stay-at-Home Orders have lifted.
During the lockdown, the library is also running online activities to keep children entertained. These can be accessed through the Central West Libraries website.
While Orange City Library is only able to deliver within the city limits, the 'knock and drop' service is also being run from Central West Libraries' Blayney, Canowindra, Forbes, Manildra and Molong locations.
From September 11, following the lifting of the lockdown in the Cowra Local Government Area, the Cowra Library ceased running home deliveries as the branch reopened to the public.
Those seeking help with their library membership can call the Orange City Library between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday on 6393 8132.
To browse the library catalogue and reserve books for delivery, head to the Central West Libraries website.
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