Sandwell Libraries has seen a huge increase in new members and use of its online services.
Despite Covid-19 lockdown, Sandwell Libraries have continued to supply eBooks and eAudiobooks, online family activity sessions to help families stuck inside their homes and the annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member responsible for libraries said; “I’m extremely proud of our libraries team. They have continued to provide a great service for residents during this difficult time.
“Since lockdown began in March more than 800 new people have joined Sandwell Libraries.
“We have issued more than 12,000 eBook and eAudibooks, thanks in part to our new BorrowBox service. The all-digital Summer Reading Challenge went ahead despite Covid-19, helping children and families discover the fun of reading.
“We are working towards restarting library services by the end of September and we will keep residents up-to-date via our social media pages and the council website.”
Sandwell Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Maria Crompton agreed; “I want to thank everyone in our libraries service for their hard work and imagination in continuing to promote reading to our residents. I would also like to thank our residents for their continued support for our library service over this difficult period.”
Figures show, from 23 March to 31 July:
- 819 new members joined online;
- 12,487 eBooks and eAudiebooks issued;
- 33,733 online resource searches;
- 501 family activities held;
- 171,279 views of social media posts.
