Library Service The introduction of Level 5 shutdown on October 22 saw public libraries closing to the public for the second time in 2020. In level 5 bookstores are operating click and collect and 3 rd level libraries can remain open under public health guidelines, but this is not the case for public libraries. Staff began a blended work plan within pods in libraries and working on special projects from home including further enhancement of online facilities and programmes. Since reopening the doors in July, visits were increasing each month from 26,098 in July, 29,362 in August and 33,676 visits in September. Visits in 22 October is 12,870 which includes 3,478 queries by phone and email which would otherwise have been made as part of a library visit. Membership annual total increased again in October; 36,598 in 2020 compared to 33,040 in 2019. This has been the pattern since first lockdown in March of this year with membership increasing consistently each month. Items borrowed which saw a significant increase in September (40,096 compared to Aug 24,324) was obviously much less in October; 23,561. However, once level 5 commenced the Housebound Delivery service again extended its remit immediately to those not usually eligible in normal times but affected due to the new restrictions and the 5 KM travel limit.
Approximately 30 people per day used the public PCs for the 18 days we were open in October.
With the closure of the libraries online borrowing increased again in October compared to September, eBooks and eAudio books borrowed 8,280 and 9,232, respectively. However, the service and staff again demonstrated agility and resilience through these changes and many programmes and initiatives were progressed during October: Children’s Book Fest This year Cork City Libraries beamed their first out-of-this-world programme right i nto children’s homes, the programme included everything from author visits, arts and crafts and storytelling to zine making workshops. Collaboration with 65 th Cork International Film Festival: inviting members to watch over 50 short films from previous festivals free of charge. Coding for Adults: 6-week online workshops were launched with support from the Dormant Account Fund under the national Work Matters Libraries programme. One City One Book ; discussion between this year’s writer Tadhg Coakley and writer Thomas McCarthy was launched online
Health Literacy Month was celebrated with 2 blog posts
Irish Book Week was celebrated in collaboration with Waterstones with readings by contributing writers from CorkWords Inaugural Writer-in-Residence : Tina Pisco was announced as Cork City Libraries first ever writer in residence her remit being to engage the city creatively on climate change and sustainability through workshops, discussion and publication. The residency will continue to May 2021.
Children’s Book Fest
Tina Pisco
Photo: Louise Barker
Irish Book Week
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