Library Service Level 5 lockdown on December 24, 2020, saw libraries close their doors once again, offering online services only through eBooks, eAudio books, RBDigital, Universal Class and so on. The Housebound book delivery service to the elderly and those cocooning continued. As the rate of transmission reached new heights early in 2021 all staff were directed to work from home where possible, with limited access to the libraries as a workspace. Plans were put in place for projects and initiatives to work on while at home, while CPD was also encouraged.
Membership has increased steadily in Cork City Libraries since March last with 36,656 members for year ending January 2021 compared to 32,789 for the same period in 2020. The use of library eBook/eAudio books by members of the libraries also increased; 11,165 eBooks/eAudio books were borrowed in January 2021 compared to 5,138 in January 2020 and 2,946 in January 2019. Staff continue to promote the library services while working from home by recommending ebooks to read and universal class training to engage with. A 4-part genealogical series was held online based on a guide book produced by a staff member working from home. This got great PR in local newspapers and radio also as Johnathon Fehily was interviewed by PJ Coogan. Our Conversation Café sessions were held online in January engaging all communities in conversation in an online social space forum. 6-week online coding classes were hosted, blogs included a reflection by Tadhg Coakley the 2020 One City One Book writer and stress management classes in collaboration with the HSE were promoted. January saw Cork City libraries as proud recipients of the Golisano Award 2020. The Golisano Health Leadership Award is presented by Special Olympics International and
the Golisano Foundation, and is awarded nationally to outstanding individuals and organisations dedicated to improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities and advancing the health of Special Olympics athletes. The Health Leadership Awards give Special Olympics Ireland the opportunity to acknowledge the great health work that is taking place throughout the island of Ireland at a local community level. “All recipients of the Health Leadership Award are champions for people with intellectual disability in their communities. Their work, commitment and passion goes beyond their volunteer role with Special Olympics Ireland and they really implement the ethos behind creating and supporting Healthy Communities and athletes at local level.” Cáit Donnelly Health & Wellbeing Coordinator Special Olympics Ireland This award is to acknowledge Cork City Libraries commitment to access and inclusion of not only Special Olympics Ireland athletes but also people with intellectual disability or different learning needs in their community. The partnership between Special Olympics Ireland and Cork City Libraries saw the development of sensory books based on Healthy Ireland’ s 3 pillars; Eat Well, Be Well, Think Well, which was supported by the Special Olympics Health Promotion Programme. This project was led by Breda Hassett, Senior Executive Librarian, Cork City Libraries and created with Special Olympics athletes and Cork Textile Network. It brought the accessibility of health information to a new level with workshops in Hollyhill Library, Bishopstown Library, Blackpool Library and Cork City Library, Grand Parade. This project also allowed Special Olympics athletes to experience learning about health and wellbeing in a unique and creative way. The 3 sensory books (Eat Well, Be Well, Think Well) developed through this project are available to members of the community to take out on loan from Cork City Libraries.
Powered by FlippingBook