Library Service The service being offered by Cork City Libraries in October remained a limited one of borrowing and returning books and AV materials until October 22. Ironically the day that saw Level 5 lockdown introduced in 2020 was the date this year that saw gradual reopening of society though not the Freedom Day we were expecting. The Reference Library and Local Studies Department reopened their doors to limited numbers under public health guidelines. Newspapers, magazines, and study spaces have also been reintroduced. After hours events, such as book launches have also taken place for the first time since March 2020 adhering to the current requirements of presenting Covid Certificates, contact tracing details and mask wearing at the seated only events. Though maximum numbers apply, and spaces are restricted it is wonderful to be in the position to welcome more people through the doors of our 10 public libraries once again. The borrowing of eBooks and eAudiobooks saw an increase of 14.8% when compared to October 2020 and an incredible 123% increase on October 2019 (10,600 borrowed 2021: 9,232 borrowed 2020; 4,752 borrowed 2019) Increased investment at a local and national level has been crucial to sustaining this vital service which has seen many people to look to the public libraries throughout the pandemic, a habit that has continued though we are now open. As with many services a blended approach of in person and online looks to be the way forward for the future of lending materials within our library service. In October, 39,126 visits were made across our ten service points, 48.5% less than in October 2019. (Level 5 restrictions introduced on 22 October 2020: 12,870 October 2020; 75,959 October 2019) The reduced visits reflect the use of the libraries for so many services other than borrowing and returning books such as for launches, study spaces, cultural events, group meetings and as community hubs, all of which remain suspended. Reduced public confidence in returning to public spaces during the pandemic, which continues though many are vaccinated, is also a factor. 56,625 items were borrowed this month seeing us back to borrowing levels of 2019, with a slight increase of .5% on October 2019 (23,561 in 2020 due to lockdown on 22/10/2020; 56332 in October 2019). Douglas Library is the 3 rd busiest library nationally with 2 libraries in high population areas ahead of it - Ballyroan Library, Dublin and The Lexicon, DLR. There are 31,436 members to year end October 31/2021. Events-wise the month got off to a healthy start as HollyHill Library celebrated Positive Ageing Week by introducing the Active Community Walking initiative. It was so well received the library will continue the project into 2022 and they are proud to partner with Cork Sports Partnership, Get Ireland Walking and Health Action Zone on this healthy community initiative. Children’s Book Fest is held in October each year when the wonderful Children’s Team in Cork City Libraries spread the enjoyment of books and reading among
children and families, authors, illustrators, and teachers, all over the city. This year’s festival featured renowned author’s such as Shane Hegarty and Debbie Thomas, heritage experts and artists facilitating an abundance of author talks, workshops, and creative writing classes. Due to Covid 19 restrictions the festival was largely held online through 70 facilitated meetings which saw an attendance of 3200 children. Exhibitions of winning artworks from the 65th and 66th Texaco Children’s Art Competitions were also on display at Hollyhill Library and the City Library Grand Parade, as part of Children’s Book Fest. The top 21 winning artworks from the 2019 and 2020 contests were exhibited in both libraries for the entire month of October representing children of all ages and abilities across the seven categories in the Competition. With thanks to Creative Ireland, Cork City Libraries announced a brand-new online poetry journal for young people to get involved with in 3 ways: Through a Young Editors Panel, writing poetry and by submitting artwork. The journal will launch in early 2022 and be an exciting voice for all kinds of young people in Cork. The newly formed libraries Design Thinking Team receives training and coaching from the DesignThinkers Academy which is one of the leading international ‘design driven’ Innovation Agencies. The library team provided an opportunity to those in the Glanmire area to shape their forthcoming local mobile library service. A Library Information Pop-Up was held on Saturday 2nd October from 10am -12pm outside the Credit Union, where library staff and locals discussed all things, library centred!
Design thinking pop up
Online programming continued with the series of interviews by Ana Spehar for Cork in Verse, which this month included Stanley Notte and Benjamin Burns sharing their experiences and work. A free online information session was hosted in collaboration with MABS providing advice on managing money and a wide range of debts related issues. The Digital Skills classes, supported by the Dormant Account Fund, included guidance on home schooling, Google Docs and more.
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