Gillian Holmes, Executive Assistant at Explore York Libraries & Archives, shares their fascinating story
From the onset of the lockdown in March, Explore York, which runs libraries and archives for the City of York in northern England, saw usage of its OverDrive e-library double showcasing a huge rise in digital reading whilst the physical library service was closed.
“We already had a well-established e-library in place, in terms of functionality and awareness, so we were ready,” said Helen Whitehead, e-services librarian for Explore York.
More than fifty percent of the users during lockdown were new to the OverDrive e-library. Comments received show customers were impressed with how easy the site was to use, and they spread the word to friends, increasing even more uptake. Usage increased in all categories, but especially in children’s e-books. During the Summer Reading Challenge for children, five times as many e-books were issued than in 2019. In total, for the period January 1st to December 1st 2020, the OverDrive e-library saw 77,000 checkouts against 41,500 checkouts for the same period in 2019 an 86% increase.
Generous donations from publishers, together with cash grants from City of York Council and Central Government, meant Explore York kept up with the increased demand for e-books. Having books available even when physical libraries were closed was so important for wellbeing. As one customer put it, “(OverDrive’s Libby reading app) has been a lifesaver for me during lockdown.”
“People are reading all kinds of publications, including some we could never have offered in hard copy,” Helen said of the staggering uptake.
We have had many comments from people expressing appreciation for PressReader, including a health worker at the local hospital: “I’ve downloaded the PressReader app and it looks awesome. Will give me something light-hearted and diversionary to read on a break at work!”
As well as providing online reading materials, Explore York moved quickly to create a virtual “Library from Home.” The website was updated so that customers would easily find what they needed. Archive and Family History sites such as Ancestry were offered from home. Librarians and archivists created new online resources to support home-schooling and reminiscence sessions. Explore York’s well-loved events programme moved to Zoom and has proved to be as popular as ever despite the virtual format. One example is a regular monthly poetry evening, which achieved a record audience with participants joining from around the world. Explore York also developed a number of new online platforms, including a Lego Club on Facebook, a volunteer programme via Flickr and curated watchlists on its YouTube channel.
As library services have been transformed in the last six months, Explore York staff have also been on a real journey of learning and discovery of all that can be achieved online. The experience of 2020 will inform the way library and Archive services are delivered in future.
The last word goes to one library user who speaks for many:
“When I look back over this difficult period, I hope I’ll remember the fantastic books that took me to a different place and helped me reflect on my place in this world. I’ve laughed out loud, I’ve cried and shouted at the iPad. I’m hooked!”