Library Service Cork City Libraries reopened their doors on December 2, having been closed for 6 weeks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The reopening was welcomed but short lived, and restrictions closed the libraries again on December 23. As would be
expected the statistics for the month reflect the length of time open, the limited services being offered and public anxiety caused by the pandemic. While there were many new borrowers during this year joining to avail of online services such as eBooks eAudiobooks and Pressreader the increase is also due to it being the first complete year that Cork City Libraries operated 10 libraries, with the additional 3 libraries in Blarney, Ballincollig and Glanmire due to the boundary extension. Membership in 2020 totalled 36,885 compared to 31,863 (2019) and 22,909 (2018). The closure of libraries during 2020 saw a huge increase in the borrowing of eBooks and eAudiobooks totalling 101,334 in 2020 compared to 47, 096 in 2019 an increase of 115%. This expansion of titles available online led to an increase in cost for the libraries. ( a 93% increase; €25,779.40, 2019 to €49753.74, 2020) There were 16,805 visits to Cork City Libraries between December 2 and 23 rd compared to 51,434 in December 2019. Nevertheless The libraries continued to support the communities they serve through creative online programming including a comprehensive and varied children’s programme , a bumper December eNewsletter, Plan C for Christmas Newsletter distributed through the Community Response Team, a book launch in association with Focus Ireland, online sessions with local musicians and the Deaf Community Choir, promoting GLOW throughout the city with
window installations of literary quotes, the Local Studies Department hosting Nationwide, the publishing of the much sought after annual calendar, works continuing on the roofing and repainting in the City Library and last but not least the reopening of Douglas Library on December 18 having been closed due to fire since August 31, 2019. 2020 has been a strange one for all, including the library service and its staff. However, the challenges have proved that the service can meet and embrace change and learn new ways of presenting its service which will be relevant for many years to come. Heartfelt thanks to the staff for their resilience, versatility, creativity and dedication throughout these unprecedented times, not only to the libraries but also to the wider community in the work that many individuals undertook through redeployment in 2020.
Lending Library newly painted
Paddy and Joe – the first visitors to the new Douglas Library
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