123 Myli My Community Library – 24/7 flexibility at your library

Sharon Hart

Mat Morgan

Mirboo North, Poowong and Foster are now among the first three libraries in Victoria provided by South Gippsland Shire to now offer a 24-hour membership access.

With flexibility in mind, the 24-hour service offers library members open access to the library outside its conventional opening hours. This provides free access to study and lounge spaces, Wi-Fi and self-checkout facilities to pick up holds and borrow resources like books and DVDs.

24-hour library members from Foster have been using this service since officially opening in October, 2019. Here’s what they have to say about how they use 24-hour membership, “I use the library out of hours as a place to read the newspapers or write in my journal. I live alone and sometimes need a change of scenery to gather my thoughts for my writing” says Marion.

“I use the 24/7 library to study. I’m up early so that I’m often in the library before staff arrive and I use the Wi-Fi, power and order textbooks to borrow which saves me buying them,” says Mat.

Whether you’re a student, working full time or part time or just happen to be an early bird or night owl a 24-hour membership gives you the opportunity to access the library whenever it suits you.

We asked Aimee Able, Branch Manager from Mirboo North Library to tell us about how some of the new 24-hour members are using the library.

“I have one patron that loves coming in to study. She makes herself a hot chocolate and spreads herself out on our big community table. At home she doesn't have the room and lack of interruptions like she does at the library,” said Aimee. She adds, “We have another member that has been absolutely delighted to finally update all his devices at the same time while enjoying a coffee in the corner. He loves sitting in our front window watching the world go by.”

The application process is simple. Complete a 24-hour membership application for assessment, that is followed by a new user induction during staffed library hours. The only cost is a once off $30 refundable deposit for your security pass that is activated after the compulsory membership induction. It then provides 24-hour, secure access to the library.

Parents and guardians have the option to apply for a family pass. A family pass allows one nominated adult to bring their nominated children aged under 18 into the library using their secure pass. Every person aged 18 or over requires their own secure pass to access the library after-hours.

24-hour membership applications are now open for Mirboo North, Poowong and Foster Libraries.

For more information please visit myli.org.au or call 1800 HI MYLI (1800 44 6954)

24/7 flexibility at your library

Marion Ryan