You may have heard that the State Library of WA is implementing changes to the delivery of Inter-Library Loans. The changes come into effect from 1 July 2023.

Inter-Library Loans play an important part of the library service for our community, and we are continuing to advocate for ongoing, easy access for all our library members.

Please be assured that we plan to continue our automated Inter-Library Loan services as usual, until further notice, whilst we work through the changes.

Under the new rules, Regional public libraries can request an item (if the item is not in their own collection) to meet user demand via the inter-library loans service if:

• the item is not available electronically
• the user is not able to engage with ebook/e-audio systems and/or devices
• the waitlist for the ebook/e-audio is unacceptably long for the user

We expect that you may experience:

• longer wait times
• non supply of items

… as always, we will do our best to satisfy all user requests from our community with patience and diligence.

Read on if you would like to see the guidelines provided by SLWA, and your options for providing feedback…

The guidelines from State Library are:

“From 1 July 2023, libraries are changing the way they fulfil user requests for items not held in their own collection. Instead of using the inter-library loans service as the first port of call, libraries will utilise more environmentally sustainable and cost efficient ways of accessing items for library users.

Users should not experience any tangible difference to the fulfilment of their requests.

Instead of seeking to borrow an item via inter-library loan, libraries will now access items not in their own collection in the following ways:

Accessing the item electronically via eresources

• For example, this may be an ebook or eaudio book through BorrowBox or Libby.
•  If the item is not available electronically, a request to purchase the ebook can be made by the library …

If electronic format is not available or appropriate for the user, then libraries should purchase a print copy

• The item can then form part of the library’s collection and can be enjoyed by other library users.

If neither of these options are available or suitable, then the item can be requested via inter-library loan

• For example, items that are out of print or expensive to purchase may be borrowed from other libraries via inter-library loan …

These changes are being made to provide a more sustainable library service to the WA community.  Significantly increasing freight costs and the environmental impact of transporting readily accessible materials around the state are no longer a viable or responsible use of public money.”

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If you wish to provide feedback regarding these changes, please contact:

• Your local State Member of Parliament, and/or
• Susan McEwan (Director Library Services, SLWA) on 9427 3175 or email: susan.mcewan@slwa.wa.gov.au

The Augusta Library is back and the shelves have been refreshed with new stock so visit soon! Opening hours remain the same:

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

10am – 12pm and 1 – 4pm

Reminder: Our next Toddler Tales is at Augusta Library on Thursday 8th June at 10.30am. Children and their caregivers are welcome to this special storytime aimed at Toddlers which contains a story, songs, rhymes, craft and morning tea.

Bookings are required, visit https://amrlibraries-toddlertales-augusta.eventbrite.com.au or phone Rachael on 9780 5602 to reserve your place.

We are happy to announce that our Digital Training group sessions are back!

The first workshop is about buying and selling online. In this session you will learn the basics of online shopping and how to sell your products on well-known online retailers such as eBay.

You will also learn how to use Facebook Buy & Sell and how to be safe selling and buying online.

June 13th Tuesday, 1pm to 2:30pm at Margaret River Library

June 14th Wednesday, 10am to 11:30am at Augusta Council Chambers 

To book your spot please email our eServices Librarian on abrawls@amrshire.wa.gov.au, call the library on 08 9780 5600

The library is an accessible venue, carers welcome.

Margaret River Library

will be CLOSED on Monday 5th of June for the public holiday.

OPEN again on Tuesday 6th at 10am. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Feel free to use the after-hours chute for your returns.

Access to our online resources is available 24/7

Wednesday 24^th May, 10.30 – 11.30am at the Margaret River Library

Understanding the experience of refugees or asylum seekers, in their home country, their journey to Australia and their new life here is crucial to appreciating the barriers that block such individuals from thriving in our community. The session can help participants recognise how they can better engage with such migrants. Red Cross  aims to provide insights and encourage critical thinking about the global and local experiences of people forcibly displaced, covering:

• Red Cross involvement with migration
• Context on global forced displacement and associated international human rights frameworks
• Australia’s relevance and role
• The difference between an asylum seeker and refugee
• Demographics of humanitarian settlement in Australia and their experiences

All welcome. Light refreshments provided. RSVP to the Library Email: amrlibrary@amrshire.wa.gov.au or Ph: 9780 5600

Our Augusta mini POP UP LIBRARY will be opening from

Thursday 13^th April in Augusta Council Chambers

OPEN Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

10am – 12pm  and 1pm – 4pm

Please return all items during these times as the After Hours Return Chute is now CLOSED at the Augusta Library.

You can also visit Margaret River Library and online services are available 24/7 at amrlibraries.com

Thanks for your patience and understanding 😊

Augusta Council Chambers is in the Shire Administration Office,  Allnut Terrace, Augusta