Libraries connect through new service

Live Borders has now been operating a new library service, ‘Connect and Collect’ since the beginning of August and its gathering some real fans in the community.

Connect and Collect is aimed at bringing the communities of the Scottish Borders a simple and efficient book delivery service, as Live Borders gradually opens up the rest of the service.

This new service lets you order books through the Live Borders Libraries online catalogue, or over the phone, and then pick them up from the mobile library.  It has always been free to join a Live Borders library and now there is no charge for you to make a reservation.

Jane Hogg, Director of Commercial Services for charity Live Borders said; “The main strength of our Libraries service is our staff, they love books and know our catalogue inside out, and for this new service, you can make your reservation over the phone if you don’t have access to a computer or smartphone.

“Our staff are friendly, helpful and appreciate that a chat is all part of the library visit but this time the phone has helped us keep alive these connections with members.

“We really hope the Connect and Collect service is accessible to everyone across the Borders who want access to a Library service.

“In the first three weeks of the service our mobile team welcomed 344 visitors which is amazing, but we want to grow that number!”

The Connect and Collect service visits Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Coldstream, Eyemouth, Duns, Jedburgh, Earlston, Melrose, Peebles, Innerleithen and Selkirk each week. See timetable here.

“Each week our library team have clocked up around 300 miles on the road delivering books,” Jane said.

“We are really enjoying getting the books back to the customers after so long, and connecting with regular mobile library users and new customers who are enjoying Connect and Collect.

“Mike our driver is always has a recommendation so don’t be scared to ask! Back at HQ the team on the phone have taken nearly 500 calls from customers keen to make their book selections and get back to books.”

Karen D’Agrosa, Library and Information Assistant, has been kept busy on the phone and emails helping customers choose new books, making recommendations and helping with reservations, and is enjoying adapting to the new ways of working.

“The job I have enjoyed doing the most is talking to people,” she said.

“I have never worked frontline in the 34 years that I have worked with libraries and have always worked in the background. But just listening to the people and leave them feeling happy when I can sort out their problems, and help to get books for them, makes me smile.”

To order books over the phone, call the team at Live Borders on 01750 726400 who will be happy to help with your book selection and also guide you through, lines are open Monday to Friday 11:00 to 15:00.

More information on the Connect and Collect service can be found HERE.

Live Borders is a charity. Every penny you spend with us is reinvested into supporting active, creative and healthy communities in the Scottish Borders.

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