Our challenges

Outreach services

Bellarine & Surf Coast Mobile Library

Outreach Services Librarian: George Houlder

Golden Plains Outreach Services Librarian:

Kay Dickenson (until December 2020) / Jocelyn Wauchope (December 2020 – Current)

The GRLC operates two Mobile Library vehicles which visit communities on the Bellarine Peninsula and areas of the Surf Coast and Golden Plains Shires. Between them they make weekly or fortnightly stops at 17 locations across the region.

The libraries on wheels carry regularly-rotated collections of books, magazines, DVDs and more – they provide access to GRLC’s extensive collection of more than 400,000 items. Our Mobile Libraries also provide crucial access to digital services and other library services, especially to people for whom a library branch is not easily accessible.

During 2020/2021, Mobile Library drivers played a critical role in our Click & Deliver service, delivering thousands of collection items, contact-free, to hundreds of homes across our regions.

“Apart from being a book (and DVD) repository, the mobile library is a community hub, and many people have not had the chance to meet others from the community without the library being there. They feel they are no longer forgotten.”

– Outreach Services Librarian, George

When restrictions are in place, mobile libraries run a popular Click & Collect service.

When libraries were permitted to reopen, the reaction from the community was enthusiastic.

This year, we farewelled much-loved staff member Kay Dickenson, retired after 21 years with the organisation.

Home Library Service

Our Home Library Service (HLS), supported by a team of 88 community volunteers, provides a personalised service to library members or their carers who are unable to visit a physical library branch due to illness, frailty or disability. The HLS operates across the GRLC’s four Member Council areas.

It was a challenging year for the HLS, as we were forced to suspend volunteer services due to government restrictions between March 2020 and March 2021.

Throughout this time, GRLC staff delivered more than 1,500 books per month to 190 HLS clients, to ensure they were able to have access to library resources.

In March 2021, we re-engaged 60 HLS volunteers, who deliver books to these vulnerable community members on a monthly basis. Since March 2021, 11 new volunteers have been welcomed on board.

In the past year, we ran two sessions for HLS clients (iPad Basics and Armchair Actors), and another five training sessions for volunteers, including Trove and Library eCollections, to help improve their knowledge of our digital services.

With the help of a Be Connected grant, a Federal Government initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world, six iPads with data were purchased for exclusive use of HLS clients, to assist them with accessing information and keeping contact with loved ones. iPads could be borrowed for a period of six weeks and phone assistance was available to those who needed it. Feedback about this service was very positive.

“I have really enjoyed the iPad. I love the BorrowBox app so I can borrow books and read without waiting. It has been absolutely fantastic and the amount of books available is great. Thank you for allowing me to experience it.”

– Home Library Service client “Thank you for the wonderful, hand selected pack of books you sent me and the kids. It felt like Christmas opening the pack and looking through all the books you chose for us. During such a hard time, you made our week. And thanks for remembering the kids’ names all the time! You make our time at the library so special.”

- Library member