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Date posted 08 Apr 2020
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While library buildings may be closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Lincolnshire’s librarians have ensured that a range of library services and resources are still available to the county’s residents online and remotely.

The team at Better, the charitable social enterprise that manage Lincolnshire Libraries on behalf of Lincolnshire County Council, provide a comprehensive range of online resource available to all library members.  This includes free E-books, free audio-books and free E-magazines spanning everything from popular fiction for adults, children and teens alike to non-fiction including cookery, gardening and technology publications.  Also on offer are free music downloads and streams from a choice of over 15 million songs and playlists ranging from opera and classical music to jazz, rock and pop.

Rather than cancelling the weekly clubs and activities that would normally take place within libraries, the team has moved these online to the @lincslibraries Facebook and Twitter pages.  It’s now possible to take part in a virtual Craft Club on a Monday, Lego Club on a Friday and Code Club on a Saturday amongst many others. Library staff are also busy filming themselves at home to ensure the much loved children’s weekly “Story Times” can continue, albeit via Facebook.

The initiative has already garnered huge support.  E-book and E-magazine loans in March 2020 were up by 81% on the previous year, while audio-book loans saw an increase of 28% and music downloads grew by 65%.  Lincolnshire Libraries Facebook page has seen an increase in engagement of 126%.

Lincolnshire’s access mobile libraries, which would normally serve rural, housebound customers across the county, has also been grounded.  However, mobile library staff have been staying in touch by telephone with their more vulnerable customers to help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation and to ensure they are aware of the County Council’s Helpline.

Nicola Rogers, Partnership Manager for Better Libraries in Lincolnshire said: “We’ve been working hard to pull together a really comprehensive online provision that genuinely offers something for everyone.  The unique circumstances of self-isolation, furloughing and social distancing mean that many people are taking the opportunity to read more, listen to music or enjoy hobbies. 

“Whether people are looking for escapism through reading or listening to a gripping novel or relaxation through listening to music or flicking through a popular magazine, everything is possible by accessing Lincolnshire Libraries free online resources.

“This week we are also launching another, new E-resource: PressReader, which gives free online access to hundreds of national daily newspapers from the UK and across the world with your library card number and PIN.”

Anyone who isn’t a library member, but would like to take advantage of the fantastic range of free materials available for download can join Lincolnshire Libraries as a temporary member by visiting: https://bit.ly.lincslibjoin  and through the library card number and PIN provided get access to the online library straight away.

To borrow an e-book, eaudiobook, emagazine or emusic visit: https://bit.ly/lleservices