LIFE at Leeton's library may not look the same as it usually does, but there is still plenty going on behind-the-scenes while the doors are closed to the community.
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Like many others, the library had to shut its doors to the wider public when coronavirus restrictions were put into place.
This has meant people have been missing out on not just a place to study, research or borrow a book, but much more than that.
However, thanks to technology, the library is still able to deliver many of its important services to the community.
"The services we most miss is the face-to-face contact with everyone who comes in," library manager Terry O'Keefe said.
"Also, the home library service. It was a hard to decision to close that down. We considered many ways to do it, but we just felt it wasn't appropriate given the age group that really appeals to. We didn't want to put them at risk."
Storytime and Baby Rhyme Time programs at the library have been videoed and presented online through social media with help from the State Library and the Library Association negotiating deals when it came to copyright concerns.
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"The buzz of engagement with those has been so great," Ms O'Keefe said.
Brain games for senior residents has also moved online, with the library posting an activity for completion.
It has also been a time of thinking differently, especially when it comes to registering as a member of the library, which can now be down over the phone during business hours.
Once that has been done, members can then access the library's e-resources which includes Borrow Box (e-books and e-borrow), RB Digital (e-magazines) and Story Box Library (Australian books read by Australian storytellers, which also includes interviews and activities).
"Two other projects we're doing is starting to catalogue some of the local studies material," Ms O'Keefe said.
"The other is developing a huge Manga and comic book collection. It's been in the works for some time, but now we've had some time, we're really moving with that now."
All permanent staff at the library have been retained, but casual staff have been stood down for the time being.
"However, there are projects coming up they may be used for and certainly when we open back up, they will be back on board," Ms O'Keefe said.
The library had also been due to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the building at that side, but COVID-19 did put a stop to that.
Staff hope to mark the occasion at a later date. In the meantime, residents can keep up-to-date with what's happening at the library via their Facebook page.
