A new "Contact and Collect" service is in operation at two Waterford Libraries.
People can now return or collect books from Central Library, Lady Lane and Dungarvan Library.
However, they must first contact the library to get an appointed time.
Jane Cantwell, the City and County librarian explains
"We're going to allow people to bring back books at certain times during the week because they are times that we have staff at Central Library and Dungarvan Library.
"If you look up the website you will see the times available.
"If anybody is coming to collect books they can bring their books that they have at home with them.
"They just put their books into a bin at the door, that bin will be taken into the library in the evening and those books will not be touched for 72 hours."
She says Waterford Libraries hope to provide this service in other branches in Phase 3:
"We have staff working in another four branches - Lismore, Ardkeen, Carrickphierish and Tramore.
"We would hope to begin to provide the contact and collect service in these branches over the next few weeks
"The phone number is 0761 10 2484 or you can email [email protected]
"If you have any questions at all about the service just go into the Waterford Libraries website."
Waterford library members read 15,230 free ebooks and audiobooks during lockdown. Jane Cantwell says it shows the importance of their service.
"I think the figure of 15,230 ebooks and audiobooks being downloaded by Waterford people from Waterford Library was amazing.
"It shows that the appetite is out there and it shows people that there are different ways of accessing books and that our libraries are there for them when they couldn't get books from other sources so it was really impressive."
People who are not yet members of Waterford Libraries can join the library service online and avail of a huge range of free online materials and activities. Email [email protected] or visit the library website for further details.
