Although library buildings in Warwickshire are temporarily closed for public browsing due to lockdown, Warwickshire’s Virtual Library Service is still available online 24/7! Warwickshire County C...
Although library buildings in Warwickshire are temporarily closed for public browsing due to lockdown, Warwickshire’s Virtual Library Service is still available online 24/7!
Warwickshire County Council’s libraries staff are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that people still have access to digital books, music and other library material.
There’s nothing quite like a good book to help lift your spirits or provide a bit of escapism – and you’ll find something for everyone thanks to the BorrowBox service!
Warwickshire Libraries have been increasing their online stock since the start of the pandemic, and there are a wide variety eBooks and eAudiobooks for adults wanting to lose themselves in a work of fiction as they stay at home, and for children who may need some extra entertainment, particularly if they are self-isolating.
The BorrowBox service proved to be extremely popular with Warwickshire library service users during the first lockdown, with hundreds of new library customers signing up to use it.
BorrowBox are continuously extending their range of exclusive authors and titles, and eAudiobook and eBook issues have significantly increased during the pandemic.
BorrowBox is “your library in one app”, and it has transformed the way people use their local library services by enabling people to access library items whenever and wherever they are.
The app allows users to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks for free and is available across most digital devices, including the iPad and Kindle Fire.
Warwickshire Libraries staff have made a video that explains, step-by-step, how customers can download and use the app. You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ch5GK61p-I
Free eMagazines and eNewspapers with popular titles to download and read at your leisure are also available through PressReader and RB Digital, which will let you read a wide variety of worldwide publications on your device, whether that is your mobile phone, tablet or computer, through their websites and apps.
All you need to access these for free are your library card number and email address.
And there’s so much more available than just books and publications! You can also access streamed classical music from the Naxos Music Library, and search various encyclopaedias, dictionaries and other useful reference sources like the Times Digital Archive and Encyclopaedia Britannica - ideal for helping children with their home learning and for customers who want access to reference library resources.
You can even practise for your Driver Theory Test and your UK Citizenship Test!
Keeping in touch with people online has never been so important, so library staff are also using their very popular social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in new ways, as well as hosting regular online events, author appearances, a reading group, and story and craft sessions. Look out for event details and book free tickets at: https://bit.ly/330rFaC
Follow Warwickshire Libraries on social media on Twitter (@warkslibraries), on Facebook (warwickshirelibraries) and on Instagram (Warwickshire_libraries) to be part of the conversation.
Visit https://library.warwickshire.gov.uk/ to find out how to access all these digital services.
All you need to use these free online resources is a Warwickshire library ticket.
If you’re not already a member you can join online, visit https://library.warwickshire.gov.uk/ and click ‘Join Online’. Warwickshire Libraries will send you your membership number and then you can get started straight away!
Councillor Kam Kaur, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that more and more people have been joining the Warwickshire Libraries service and making the most of everything that we have to offer online.
“These continue to be unusual and challenging times and like everybody, we have adapted and are doing things in a different way to help keep people happy and safe.”
Although library buildings are closed for public browsing at the moment, the ‘Click and Collect’ service, which enables people to pre-order books online free of charge at http://library.warwickshire.gov.uk and pick them up from library locations around the county, is operating. A video showing how ‘Click and Collect’ works can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ii5tjtjEDDg
Customers can also phone 0300 555 8171 or email libraryenquiryteam@warwickshire.gov.uk with their book reservation requests.
As part of the County Council’s wider work to help vulnerable people at home, staff have been delivering libraries services including doorstep book deliveries, a weekly ‘check in’ phone call and weekly activities programmes to help support the wellbeing of Warwickshire residents.
Cllr Kaur concluded: “I’m really pleased with all the services that our libraries staff have been providing, both online and in the community, and to see the number of new residents that we reach through library services continuing to rise.
“It is so important that we maintain contact with library customers during this difficult time as we follow government advice to stay at home. While our library buildings are temporarily closed for public browsing, our staff are doing all they can to maintain services and support residents. Remember, you can access library services online anytime with Warwickshire Libraries.”
Read the Library Blog at librariesblog.warwickshire.gov.uk and sign up to the receive weekly updates on Warwickshire Libraries, including all the latest news on library digital services, at https://mailchi.mp/warwickshire/libraries