Residents were still able to obtain books during isolation but it's the social space the Katherine Library provides which staff and patrons are most glad is now back.
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The Katherine Library was closed along with a host of other locations around town in order to suppress the spread of COVID-19.
After an almost two month hiatus, it opened its doors again today and staff said it's the same regular faces straight back into using the space.
Acting Manager Kaitlin Biffin says calls received by the library showed them just how much the Library means to some parts of the community.
"When we were shutting, we were getting calls from people saying they don't want to borrow any books but can they just come down anyway," she said.
"We of course had to say no, but it really goes to show this space is important for the community as a part of people's social lives as well.
"We're straight back to the same traffic we had before and it is those same faces coming back down.
"We get everyone from young children and students to parents and seniors coming through so it's great for the community that it's back," Ms Biffin said.
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Social distancing requirements are still preventing the library from running its programs such as Digital Literacy for Seniors and Storytime for kids.
The library will also be keeping its call and collect initiative allowing people to contact the library with their requests and a time to pick up.
For Bruce Francais, however, it isn't about any of the services the library provides.
"I've got a computer at home but I prefer to come in here and use these ones," he said.
"There's nothing i couldn't get done without it, but I just like coming down here to talk with a few locals and say hello to people.
"I'm here three or four times a week usually, it's great news for the community that it's back.
"People sometimes say to me it should be closed down and I just shut them up, tell them no straight away because we need it," Mr Francais said.
The library returns furnished with a new carpet and chalkboard, and will be installing a lego-wall for kids to build outward from in the near future.
Ms Biffin believes not just the library but the rest of the town will end up benefiting from the innovation COVID-19 has brought out of people.
"We're very excited about the fresh ideas that are coming out and there's more to come from us over the next few months," she said.
"I think one way COVID-19 has effect the town is people have re-found an appreciation for just being able to connect with one another, where I think a lot of people had sort of forgotten about that somehow.
"I think it's going to be better than before once it's all over," she said.
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