Central Coast Council is continuing to support the community’s learning and recreational needs through this time of uncertainty thanks to the incredible range of free online resources provided through the Library Service.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said even though the physical branches are closed, the eLibrary remains open 24/7 to help residents connect, relax and learn while practicing social distancing.

“We are pleased to announce a new partnership with State Library NSW to provide you access to another eBook platform, indyreads^TM,” Ms Vaughan said.

“This is on top of our existing eBook and eAudiobook platforms – BorrowBox and Overdrive – giving library members of all ages access to thousands of Australian and international titles.

“We also understand that this may be a difficult time for students and their parents if they have made the shift to home or online learning and need numerous resources to help.

“For those needing assistance with research, we provide access to reliable sites that can be referenced for essays and reports for subjects such as Modern History, Ancient History and Geography as well as to help create discussion points for your English papers.

“If you get stuck interpreting a question or need help with an assignment, students from Year 3 through to tertiary studies can login to Studiosity, where subject specialists are available anytime to provide real-time advice; essays and reports can also be uploaded for professional writing feedback within 24 hours.

“Younger children that are missing our regular Storytime sessions are not forgotten as you can continue to develop your child’s literacy with the interactive reading room of Story Box Library, where the best stories are read aloud by your favourite Australian storytellers.

“Our music streaming platform, Freegal, has now removed streaming limits for the next six months, allowing you to listen to ad free music all day, every day as well as create and publish your own playlists to share with friends and family while in isolation.

“There’s so much more to keep minds active, including coding for beginners, arts and crafts ideas, language courses and eMagazines that can be kept forever once downloaded.

“You can access all of this and more through our Library Service app – simply search Central Coast Council to download for free from the App Store or Google Play or visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/elibrary for more information.

“We are continuing to investigate options to expand our online collection in response to increased demand and are actively looking for new ways to bring you events online as well as other innovative ways to connect our community,” Ms Vaughan said.

Council is reminding members that any items currently on loan will be automatically renewed and nothing will be due for return during the closure period. After-hour chutes remain open, excluding The Entrance branch which is closed until further notice.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the eLibrary provides the community with much needed support and activities while practicing physical distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"We need to remain calm, use precaution and take preventative measures to ensure in our day-to-day interactions we are reducing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We are all adapting to this evolving situation, which has left many unsure of how to go about our day-to-day – this is where the eLibrary can help.

“Whether it is help with school work, ideas to keep young children entertained or a way to keep your mind active, there is something there for everyone.

“I would encourage anyone who works, lives or studies on the Central Coast to join the library and take advantage of these incredible services.”

Sign up online to become a library member and get instant access to these incredible resources at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary   

If you have any questions or need help setting up these services please call your local library who will be able to step you through the process, or you can email library@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/council/news/helpful-information-on-covid-19 for the latest information on interruptions to Council events and services.