Dorset Council’s library teams have been keeping adults and children entertained during lockdown with a packed programme of online activities.
With libraries closed, reading groups, rhyme times and craft sessions have been improving wellbeing and bringing people together, virtually.
Councillor Tony Alford, Customer, Community and Regulatory Services portfolio holder, said: “It’s been a great way for everyone to stay connected, learn something new and have fun, which are all good things for mental health.”
Councillor Alford continued: “We wanted to be sure people could still access our services, even though they can’t physically come into our buildings. Like many other people, the teams had to quickly adjust to a new way of working. They all rose to the challenge immediately and have been wonderfully creative.”
Membership take-up has also increased since lockdown.
Councillor Alford said: “Although Dorset libraries had a good online membership, we’ve gained a lot more members since lockdown started. There has been a 48% increase in people joining Dorset’s online library service, with almost 27,000 e-books, e-audio and e-zines accessed.”
The teams from libraries all over Dorset have proved a real hit. Whether it’s crafting in their kitchen, drawing at the dining table, chats about books or singing in the garden, the Dorset Council employees have pulled out all the stops to make sure there’s something for everyone.
Activities are taking place five days a week. Find out what’s on and how to join by visiting the Dorset Council library web pages at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries
Follow Dorset Libraries Facebook to see the activities.
Why are the Libraries not opening up ?? !!
You’ll be able to go to a pub next week, but can’t visit a library, where’s a Library is likely to be far more sparsely occupied than pubs.
We’ll open up libraries as soon as we can when health guidance change.
With new government guidance allowing libraries to open from July 4th, will Dorset Council soon be confirming when exactly the libraries will nor re-open?
Hi Peter, we’re currently finalising the plans for libraries. Further details, including what will be available and when, will be announced in the next couple of days. Thank you for your patience, Claire.
I’m wondering when libraries will open again for book loans?
Isn’t it possible, like shops, to restrict the number of people using the library at any one time?
Could not book reservations be collected?
Hi Peter, the plans are currently being finalised and further details, including what will be available and when and news about book reservations, will be announced in the next couple of days. Thanks for your patience, Claire.
Is there anyway that Sherborne Library members (adult) who are not on line etc , can continue ot take out and retur books from the library?
Hi Jane, the plans are currently being finalised and further details and I will pass on your comment to the Sherborne Library team. Thank you, Claire.