Always popular, Baby Bounce and Storytime are set to return next week. Lego will be back soon, and there are limited spaces still open in the 8-14 years coding and robotics class, which will start back up on February 14.

Library manager Sonya Lange is excited to start the year off with a brand new management system, funded by the Public Library Infrastructure Grants Program.

“The back end is much more sophisticated, akin to going from a Mini Minor to a Lamborghini,” she said, explaining that staff were still learning about the many new additions to the system.

The new digitised catalogue is enhanced with book synopses, links to the author’s other works and reviews. Readers will be able to write their own reviews on books they’ve read, and eBooks and eAudio content are just a click away – with the catalogue taking borrowers directly to the provider.

“It’s seamless,” Sonya said.

Transferring to the new system has been a huge job for library staff, with around 56,000 item records migrated across, along with another 8000 for eBooks and 5500 for customer records and related transactions. 

Sonya said although it was a big process and a steep learning curve, staff are becoming more comfortable with the system every day. Several traditionally manual and time consuming tasks, such as emailing someone when a reserved book is available, are now automated.

Still to come, the system gives staff the opportunity to partner with the Inverell District Family History Group to digitise local history photos.

Storytime sessions are aimed at children between 2-5 years old, and run every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11.15 am to 11.45 am, starting on February 5. Baby Bounce runs each Wednesday from 10.30 am to 11 am for children aged from birth to 18 months. To learn more about the library’s many community activities, call 6728 8130.

Subscribe to our free newsletter for breaking news and story alerts.