Minutes:
The Library Manager gave an overview of the Library Service to the Board and its performance over the last year, and in doing so, reported that it had been another difficult year, and that as result of Government advice and the re-introduction of restrictions due to Covid-19, the Library had closed its doors again, in March 2020, for three months. The library had re-opened in July on reduced hours initially for the ‘quick pick’ book borrowing service only and, acting on the advice given, furniture had been removed to provide space for people, personal contact had been kept to a minimum and ‘dwell’ time for customers had been reduced. The majority of the services were now accessible, however, the library had not been able to do as much engagement as it had done previously, as a cautious approach was being taken to ensure both staff and customers were safe.
As a result of the closures footfall, as expected, was down, to 28,295, which was only 16 per cent of the previous year’s figures, however, as a result of the initiatives that had been introduced, there had only been a 40 per cent drop in physical issues. The initiatives that had been introduced had had a positive impact with the library reaching people in different ways through the introduction of the home delivery service; provision of curriculum boxes to schools; themed bags; the select and collect service; removal of fines; and by raising the profile of the library through the app, social media channels, leaflet distribution, etc. The pandemic highlighted the digital offer with more people accessing e-books together with online audio books, magazines and newspapers. The digital issues increased by 140 per cent which followed a 97 per cent increase in the previous year.
Once the library fully re-opened and it was possible to have visitors back into the building one of the initiatives that was brought back was the annual summer reading challenge. The challenge was done differently this year, due partly to the pandemic but also due to the expected disruption caused by the refurbishment works. Instead of taking part in the national summer reading challenge, the ‘Reading Rollercoaster’ was introduced, whereby children were encouraged to borrow a book to have a chance of winning some amazing prizes. 2,300 entries were received with the Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio hosting the prize giving event. Although there were less participants this year the children that did participate visited the library more often and were more engaged with the service.
To spread the word of the challenge a number of VIP readers were recruited in order to raise the profile of the library and the summer reading challenge; provide story times for families at home; and provide role models to encourage children to read and share books. Incentives were offered to children to read to camera which were uploaded to the library’s Facebook page.
During the school year a further challenge was introduced entitled ‘100 Books to read before you are 11’. The 100 books were packaged to schools aimed at Year 5 children to read. Four schools took part in this challenge and schools were offered tickets for the Hippodrome as an incentive to encourage children to take part.
In respect of Adult provision, the course areas were reopened; in conjunction with a number of partners, 1:1 IT and Job Support was provided and reminiscence boxes were put together and were available to stir memories for adults in order to promote discussion. A modest refurbishment of Cockerton Library, which would be 50 years old this year, commenced in October and the refurbishment of Crown Street Library was planned to start shortly.
Trustees raised a number of questions including what the key initiatives would be post pandemic; how the library would adapt to get people back into the physical building; what work had been done to promote the services available in the rural areas; and highlighted the importance of encouraging children to read at an early age.
In response the Library Manager stated that the re-introduction of engagement activities were key to bringing visitors back to the building; should users prefer the home delivery service rather than visit the building this service would continue; the building refurbishment works were key to getting people back into the building; when the refurbishment works were happening staff would use that time to go into the community, including rural areas, to promote the library and its services; and outlined the services available to schools and children to keep them engaged and encourage them to read.
IT WAS AGREED – That the presentation by the Library Manager, on the performance of the service, be noted, and the thanks of the Board be conveyed to the Library Manager and her staff for their work over the last year.