Huge rise in demand for e-books in Falkirk libraries

Falkirk’s libraries are 
making sure readers can still get their fix of fiction and information despite the lockdown.
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And they are still available for a chat or to keep an eye out for some of their elderly customers if need be.

Lynne James, who is based in Larbert library, said: “The core of what we do is community and information – and we’ve been trying really hard to continue that online as much as we possibly can.”

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And it looks like people are grateful for reading material in whatever format.

E-book borrowing from Falkirk libraries has soared by 73 per cent, while March also saw a 222% increase in new users.

E-magazines are going down well too as shoppers aren’t able to spend time browsing shelves in supermarkets like they might do usually – and titles such 
as BBC Good Food and Gardeners World are understandably popular during lockdown.

“We’ve got loads of popular stuff and you can get them all for free, with loads of back 
issues, so you’d never be stuck!” said Lynne.

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Once signed up, customers download an app, RBDigital, which has everything in one place and is very easy to navigate.

Lynne JamesLynne James
Lynne James

The team have sourced special offers for the period of the lockdown 
including new audiobooks and music and dance.

Full library members also have access at home to Ancestry, the world’s largest online library of family history information.

“Normally, you have to use the PCs in the library building but for the duration of the lockdown, they’ve given us access at home, which is really nice,” said Lynne.

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“We’re keeping our eyes peeled to see if other online providers have offers for us so we’ll keep adding to it when we can.

“There’s so much great stuff out there bookwise, especially for families – celebrities are reading online and the Book Trusts are doing stuff for families, so we’re trying to share that information where we can.”

They have been promoting these on their popular Facebook page, which they’ve also found is good for a chat with fellow bookworms.

“We really miss the customers and the Bookbug 
babies and all the people 
who come in and chat to 
us!

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“It’s very much a community based library and we miss that connection so it’s been nice when people send us a message or get in touch,” said Lynne.

“One customer sent us a picture of her wee girl reading her first e-book and that just made our day!

They’ve also made an effort to keep in touch with those who aren’t online.

“Our home library service can’t go and visit people 
because they are vulnerable but staff have been phoning them just to check in and 
say hello and keep that 
contact.”

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And library staff have also supported the community hub at Stenhousemuir Football Club, enabling them to give out books as well as food parcels to the local community.

What the staff can’t do is say when they might be open again.

“I don’t know what things will look like when we go back. Obviously, it’s not going to be the same service it was before because there will be lots of safeguards in place,” said Lynne.

“But I think our staff are very dedicated and resourceful so we’ll do our best to support people however they want to access the library, whether its physically or virtually.”

Temporary memberships are available by visiting
https://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/learning/libraries/join-your-local-library/.

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