Library Service The service being offered by Cork City Libraries in September 2021 remains a limited one of borrowing and returning books and Audio Visual materials . The Reference Library and Local Studies are operating a phone and email service only and we are unable to offer newspapers or study spaces at this time, nor can we accommodate visits from groups or classes. However, we were delighted to reintroduce public computers, printing and photocopying to the public once again this month. While maximum numbers apply, spaces are restricted and wearing of face coverings is mandatory it is wonderful to be in the position to offer more services to the public. The borrowing of eBooks and eAudiobooks saw an increase of 61.5% when compared to September 2020 and an incredible 194% increase on September 2019 (13,373 borrowed 2021: 8,280 borrowed 2020; 4,555 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. Readers of Cork City Libraries are among the top readers of eBooks and eAudiobooks in the country . They are accessed through BorrowBox a free service for library members which is available via app or on desktop. There are 19,955 eBooks and 11,605 eAudiobooks available. As has been the pattern throughout the pandemic membership of Cork City Libraries continues to increase, with an increase of 13% to year end this month on 2020 and 22% increase on 2019 (41,073 in 2021: 36,341 in 2020: 33,682 in 2019). In September, 34,597 visits were made across our ten service points, an increase of 3% on September 2020 while 49% less than in September 2019 . (33,676 September 2020; 67,411 September 2019) The reduced visits reflect the use of the libraries for so many services other than borrowing and returning books such as for 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. This month we revealed that there is a 36-panel array of solar panels on the roof of The City Library and on a sunny autumn day, the system generates significant amounts of electricity. This solar array enables the library to take a significant step towards meeting its green targets and any surplus energy is sent to the grid, which will be used elsewhere. This helps reduce Corks ’ overall emissions, is in line with the Green Agenda and the priority given by City Council in helping reduce the effects of climate change. Cork City Libraries enthusiastically embraced Culture Night on September 17 hosting in person events in three locations. The City Library hosted 4 events including poetry with bi-lingual slam poet Julie Field, a four-person dramatized celebration of poetry, a tribute to Joan Denise Moriarty with an exhibition and ballet on the Grand Parade and the announcement of the Frank O’Connor Fellow in association with the Munster Literature Centre. An exhibit of the Sean Pettit bequest was also on view as well as a celebration of Junk Couture in association with local schools. A Flash Fiction collaboratio n with the Crawford Art Gallery saw 8 budding writers receive prizes of a signed copy of this year’s One City One Book by writer Danielle McLaughlin who chose the overall winners. Hollyhill Library live-streamed a wonderful musical evening, and Douglas Library celebrated Culture Night with the launch of the Douglas Writers and Artists Exhibition, a collection of prose, poetry, photographs and paintings by artists and writers of the local Douglas community. A special tribute to the late Pete Duffy was also held on the night and it was a wonderful occasion to have so many of his friends and family together again to remember Pete and celebrate his work. Staff were thrilled to have full houses for these events in accordance with public health guidelines. The City Library hosted a Zoom lecture in association with the Cork Decorative and Fine Arts Society on the Cork Architect, Frank Murphy. The lecture was given by architect Conor English with wonderful images of many buildings familiar to us in the city which were designed by Murphy and was well attended. Cork City Libraries were delighted that Hot Press chose The Rory Gallagher Music Library in The City Library as the venue for the presentation to the winner of the recent Hot Press competition of a replica of Ro ry Gallagher’s Fender Stratocaster on 15 September. Kevin Herron of emerging Irish band Rowan was the lucky recipient. Two Online classes, one on Coding and the other on Digital skills also began in September and is supported by the Dormant Account Fund. The libraries blended approach to learning and community engagement has become an important aspect of the service since the Pandemic hit and one that will continue allowing access to a broader demographic within our communities.
7
Powered by FlippingBook