Library still open for business on the web

You can’t go to the library – but the library is waiting for you in cyberspace.

New Plymouth District Council has closed all its libraries with New Zealand in shutdown, but people can still read a book, find a kids’ activity or even create their family tree in their living room.

Since March 25, the day before the country went to coronavirus level 4, NPDC has received more than 200 library queries, many relating to digital sign-ups or card pin numbers to access the digital collection.

In March, there were 300 more eAudiobook loans compared to February, as well as 600 more eBook loans.

‘‘The library’s still such a big part of the community,’’ Puke Ariki marketing and communications advisor Emily Walmsley said.

They would also be looking at new resources to meet increased demand.

‘‘The website is twice as busy as it was before the closures – a lot of people searching for things.’’

Those who still have physical books are asked to keep them at home, and all the returns slots have been closed off.

Due dates have been extended from March 20, and fines will not be issued.

Among the digital files are eBooks and eAudiobooks in their thousands, movies and films, news and magazines through PressReader, Tumble Book Library children’s stories with activities, as well as

New Zealand Geographic and

Encyclopaedia Britannica.

People can also sign up for a digitalonly membership for 12 months if they don’t already have a library account.

Puke Ariki has also joined forced with Skinny Jump to offer low-cost internet for people without a broadband connection at home. To discuss Skinny Jump, residents can call the library team on 0276464745 (9-5, seven days a week) and those eligible will have a modem couriered to them.