With the Lockdown in effect and the pandemic ongoing, London’s Public Library has seen an increase in E-book rentals.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase, I think a rough estimate is maybe a 30% increase or so.” Said the Libraries CEO Michael Ciccone. “We’ve certainly thrown some more of our budget toward that during this closure.”
Like many other businesses and services the Library has faced it’s challenges while trying to navigate the pandemic. Ciccone explained that the Library has been fairing well, thanks to being able to offer in-building services when possible.
“We are still providing services. And we’re very proud of the fact that we’re considered important enough to remain open through all of this. And we’re happy to be continuing to serve the communities in London.”
That being said, the Library has been unable to host in-person event’s due to pandemic restrictions. Like many other’s they have moved their events online. Ciccone explained that move to livestreamed events has opened the door for future events to offer virtual components.
“I don’t think a lot of libraries were really looking at that in the past. But now going forward, I think that’s going to be an important part of what we do.”
The Library will be hosting a Green in the City event on Thursday focusing on Green Bins coming to London. Ciccone explained why hosting the event is so important.
“I think anytime that we can provide a program such as green in the City is really important for the library. I think being able to continue these programs virtually is amazing.”
Green Bins are coming to #LdnOnt!🌿 Learn more from City staff and hear experiences from other municipalities at the Green in the City talk on Thurs, Jan 28, 7–8:30pm. 🌳🌳
Register at: https://t.co/i33P0nvCTh@CityofLdnOnt invites your feedback: https://t.co/WVfKQkNpvz pic.twitter.com/sdM4crs8Ma
— LondonPublicLibrary (@londonlibrary) January 21, 2021
In addition to Green in the City the Library will be hosting a Psychology Series, as well as a multitude of programs in February for Black History month.
Looking ahead Ciccone outlined the Libraries plans for the rest of the year. “We hope by the end of the year, to try to do some in house programming but it’s very hard to say. Once the summer comes, we’ll probably look to do some outdoor programming. We were starting to do some of that last year until it got too cold. Digital collections, we will continue to put a focus on and try to increase the content that’s available to the public.
To sign up for any of the Libraries services or virtual events you can click here to go to their website.
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