Libraries provide novel idea to pass time during lockdown
Published on 26 August 2021
Frankston bookworms are turning the page on diverse and exciting books thanks to the huge range of eBooks and eAudio books in the Frankston City Libraries collection.
Mayor Kris Bolam said there is no shortage of great reads that can provide a wonderful and much needed ‘escape’ during these challenging times.
Mayor Bolam said added: “Readers of all ages can find solace, escape, inspiration and education thanks to books. It’s been heartening to see so many people jumping online to select one of our many eBooks and eAudio books.
“We’re all spending more time at home and literature provides a remarkable outlet, particularly with all the necessary restrictions that are now in place due to the pandemic. It’s also worth noting that studies have highlighted the link between children’s literature and wellbeing,” Mayor Bolam said.
Mayor Bolam added that while Frankston City libraries may be physically closed due to the lockdown, click and collect is currently available.
“Browse and search the catalogue for items and reserve them with your library card. Once you've received an email to say your reservation is available for collection, please call your preferred library to book a collection time. Return chutes remain open and due dates have been extended,” Mayor Bolam said.
Mayor Bolam added the Mayor’s Reading Challenge, aimed at children up to 5 years and their families, is a great opportunity to read to kids and collect great prizes along the way.
“Everyone who completes the challenge of 60 books receives a free book and goes into the draw to win one of the major prizes. The Challenge has been extended due to the lockdown and now closes on Tuesday 14 September. Major prizes will be drawn on Friday 17 September.
“In its eleventh year, the Mayor’s Reading Challenge supports early literacy development, by encouraging parents and carers to engage in regular reading experiences with their children in a fun and rewarding way,” the Mayor said.
To register for the Mayor’s Reading Challenge, please visit Mayors Reading Challenge.
Acting Libraries Manager Laura Antoniak said children can also enjoy the best stories being read aloud by their favourite storytellers thanks to StoryBox library. For more information, please visit https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/FrankstonLibraries/eLibrary/eBooks-and-eAudiobooks/Story-Box-Library
Ms Antoniak added: “We know Storytime brings so much joy to children and families and while we can’t be together, the popular Storytime sessions are being held online with Bev, Kerry and Monica. Sometimes in these unsettling times, it's nice to see a familiar face. We hope you can join us!”
During lockdown, Storytime Live is held each Tuesday and Thursday morning at 11am via Frankston City Libraries Facebook. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/FrankstonCityLibraries
Ms Antoniak said: “We just added a bedtime Storytime during lockdown and we will be going live on Frankston City Libraries Facebook at 6pm each Monday. Our Storytime team brings some favourite bedtime stories to help little ones drift off after a busy day.”
For more information about bedtime Storytime, please visit https://fb.me/e/1GL1pPFK5
Book Week (22 – 27 August 2021) has the theme ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’ and offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all things books!
For more information including the Book Week Show featuring the breathtaking Book Week Museum, please visit https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/FrankstonLibraries/News/CBCA-Book-Week
Ms Antoniak said Frankston City Libraries added Kanopy for movie streaming last year following community feedback. Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform from your library that offers access to a large catalogue of educational, entertaining, and enriching films, documentaries and television series.
For more information about Kanopy, please visit https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au/FrankstonLibraries/eLibrary/Music-and-Film/Kanopy
Ms Antoniak said: “In addition, we have been undertaking online FrankTALKS with popular authors for the last 18 months with some amazing writers from across the globe. Where we have been given permission to record, these entertaining and illuminating discussions are now available on the Frankston City Libraries YouTube channel.”
For view discussions with authors in the FrankTALKS series, please visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKD2wIEWhgza3X9XcI5j3Cw
As part of Frankston City Libraries extensive services, there’s also online 24/7 student support, language tutorials, free access to researching family history and digital magazines available.
For more information, visit https://library.frankston.vic.gov.au
Frankston City Libraries lockdown reading favourites
Most borrowed eAudio books
Nine Perfect Strangers by Lianne Moriarty
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
The House across the Street by Lesley Pearse
The Survivors by Jane Harper
Most Borrowed eBooks
The Survivors by Jane Harper
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
To Sir Phillip, With Love 2 by Julia Quinn
Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Most borrowed eBooks for children and young adults
Children
Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T Sutherland
Code Name Bananas by David Walliams
Into The Wild by Anh Do
Funny Kid Next Level by Matt Stanton
Traitor by Anh Do and Lachlan Creagh
Young Adult
Electric Kingdom by David Arnold
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
Obsession by Jesse Q Sutanto
Girl on the Run by Abigail Johnson
Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Most borrowed eAudio books for children and young adults
Children
The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
Just Doomed! By Andy Griffith
Crazy Weird! By Anh Do
117 Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
Totally Weird! By Anh Do
Young Adult
Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Cinder by Marissa Meyer