New figures show that Leicestershire’s main libraries have received over 5,500 visitors since a browsing service was re-introduced at the start of last month.
And this week, the county council has announced that opening hours are being further extended with the aim of encouraging more people to use an appointment system for visits.
This latest move also builds on the success of a ‘click and collect’ service, which allows members to request a selection of books as recommended by library staff, and which has received more than 1600 orders since it was launched in early July.
Other figures also show that over 95,000 e-books and audiobooks have been loaned out ‘virtually’, a significant increase on pre-lockdown usage.
I’m really proud of what has been achieved through introducing ‘click and collect’ and the appointment system. It’s contributed towards getting the service up and running again.
There are a few more services we need to re-introduce, but we’re almost there. Every step is being taken to ensure that libraries are safe to return to and for visitors to enjoy what is on offer.
Person:Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries To book a time slot for a visit, go to www.leicestershire.gov.uk/book-a-library-visit
To request ‘click and collect’, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/click-and-collect
Customers without internet access can book a visit or a click and collect selection by calling 0116 305 2695
The county council is also working towards re-instating computer availability for customers over the next few weeks.