Beaches Closed, People Flock to the Library

Monday 7 January 2008

Council Libraries in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area have seen a surge in popularity over the past week with near record numbers of visitors and borrowings.

With beaches closed, people are looking for something to do during the holidays and the library seems to be the answer.

On Wednesday and Thursday last week, more than 2000 people visited the Port Macquarie Library with staff issuing almost 3,000 items in one day. Across the area, more than 5,000 books, magazines and DVDs were borrowed.

Manager of Library Services, Jim Maguire said, "It is fantastic to see so many people using our library services, particularly during the holiday season.

"Last Wednesday was our third busiest day on record. We have cracked 3000 borrowings in one day only twice before, so it has been a busy time for our staff, Mr Maguire said.

"While people look to be avoiding the beaches because of the huge swells, it seems they had a new years resolution to read more, which we are pleased about.

"People are coming in to our libraries in droves to not only borrow books and magazines, but also to use our Internet and email facilities.

"It is also good that holiday makers are getting visitor cards while they are here. Staff have reported that they are seeing familiar faces from previous years who have joined the library while they are on holidays, Mr Maguire said.

Monday to Friday, Port Macquarie Library is open between 9.30am and 6pm, while Laurieton and Wauchope Libraries are open between 9.30 and 5pm.
All three Libraries are open from 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.