Being stuck at home causes more London bookworms to go online
London Public Library says new users and use of digital collections both up significantly
The London Public Library says the number of digital users and digital loans has shot up significantly since the pandemic began.
Between mid-March and mid-April, the library said 1,467 new users joined its e-book and e-audiobook platform, double the amount of new users who joined from mid-February to mid-March.
During that same mid-March to mid-April time period, the library said 59,427 e-books and e-audiobooks were borrowed, a 39 per cent increase over mid-February to mid-March.
There were 421 new users accessing the library's digital video and music content between mid-March and mid-April, triple the amount the library saw in February. Use of those collections also increased by 40 per cent over the same period.
The library also saw 5,103 views of its documentary, classic and independent film streaming service, triple the amount it saw over the previous 30 days.
In response, library officials said they've doubled the borrowing and hold limits for users of e-books and e-audiobooks in order to better meet demand during the pandemic.
Besides books, the library is also offering streaming of films, children's shows, temporary access to genealogy websites, as well as online language learning in 30 different tongues.
London library offering virtual services during pandemic
Library staff are also working to support people from home through the institution's telephone information service (519-661-4600), which averages about 41 calls a day since the library closed. Patrons without access to the internet can use the line to ask library staff to find material for them online, referrals to community services, or just conversation.
Patrons with internet can ask librarians questions by email, or even book a librarian for help with more in-depth access and use of the library's digital collections.
Librarians will also offer personal recommendations for parents with children, or big kids by directing them suggestions for what to borrow next.
During the pandemic the London Public Library is also offering personal literacy support for children and families, with live daily story time on Instagram, Zoom books for babies and a weekly Lego challenge.
Librarians are offering help specifically to students through a telephone hotline (519-661-5142), offering services between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Adults can participate in an online weekly trivia night every Monday, which averages about 250 participants.
Healthcare workers can also get 3D printing support through the library in order to fashion their own head straps for faceshields, earsavers and a number of other specialty custom-built items. The library said it has already produced 500 units and delivered them to frontline workers.