The library outreach program returned to the Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre with new COVID-safety measures in place on Monday.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said more services were returning as the organisation gains more confidence in the new COVID normal.

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"The library team have taken precautions to make sure that this program is returning well within the COVID-19 safe guidelines," he said.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ararat Library has been running contact free collection services while they were unable to accept patrons through the doors.

"Libraries are about so much more than just books, they're about connections and learning, which is important for all the community," Dr Harrison said.

"It's great that the Library services are reaching even more of the community again."

Library outreach officer Sarah Keith was excited to be back working in the program again.

"It's great to be back and reconnecting with all the locals right across our municipality after a long year," she said.

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"Many of the locals use this service to connect socially with others, as well as borrow a book or movie to watch between visits, it's very rewarding to be able to facilitate this for people."

The outreach program will be coming back to even more rural townships from February 1, on the following dates:

People can also request materials and books to be delivered through the outreach service by calling the Ararat Library on: 5352 1722, or emailing library@ararat.vic.gov.au.

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