Online story time delivered by Port Stephens Libraries and workout videos from the council's leisure centres are two of the ways the council is using the internet to help the community access its services.

"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, libraries and leisure centres across Australia are closed but now our residents will be able to access these services from the comfort of their home," Port Stephens Council's community services section manager Tammy Gutsche said.

"Children's Story Time and Read and Rhyme sessions will be filmed and shared on social media over the coming weeks.

"Sharing Story Time online will help provide some positive entertainment and perhaps even brighten the lives of our younger residents during this time.

"I'm sure the regulars at our children's programs will be happy to see some familiar library faces on their screens.

"Members of our aquatic and leisure centres will also be able to access online resources thanks to our partnership with Belgravia Leisure.

"Workout videos created by fitness professionals will help members who use our centres to stay healthy from the comfort of their own homes.

"We know this is a challenging time for our community, and we're doing all we can to help our residents staying well and keep a positive outlook through all of this."

Members of our Lakeside, Tilligerry and Tomaree Centres will be able to access the online resources free of charge by contacting Belgravia Leisure support to gain access.