Central West Libraries have reopened their branches around the district and now want to know what their members missed most while they were closed due to Government COVID-19 shutdown.

Members are being asking to respond to an online national survey, which has already shown some interesting results.

After book borrowing, social interaction has been the biggest loss felt by the community during the shutdown of public libraries, 44 per cent missed having expert, friendly help from library staff; 40 per cent missed being around other people; 36 per cent missed participating in events and activities for adults, and 20 per cent missed taking part in storytimes with other families.

Sue McKerracher, CEO of the Australian Library and Information Association who are conducting the survey, said it shows public libraries fill a role beyond just distributing books.

“Even before the pandemic, governments were concerned about the mental health problems linked to loneliness. These concerns have been heightened over the last three months during the lockdown. Libraries clearly have an important part to play in promoting a greater sense of belonging,” Ms McKerracher said.

Results from the Orange postcode have been overwhelmingly positive, describing the library as ‘a sanctuary.’

“What it is really demonstrating is that we are more than just books for a lot of people,” said Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards.

“That is, it is about social contact and being able to come into the library to sit and read a newspaper, to use our technology, and as a place where they can say hello to people. A lot people have indicated from our postcode that one of the things they missed most was seeing the library staff and begin able to talk to them.

“What it has demonstrated across the country really is the social impact of libraries and how we help address loneliness.”

The Missed My Library Survey can be found on the Central West Libraries website homepage www.cwl.nsw.gov.au