We hope that this email finds you safe and well?
As you are aware all the West Berkshire libraries have been closed for the past few weeks in line with Government guidelines. Social distancing will continue to at least 15th May, but there are likely to be continued restrictions on “non-essential” activity which may include libraries. We are making plans to restore the library service to the public in phases, but in the meantime I wanted to contact you to let you know all our latest news.
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We are encouraging library customers to keep their current library loans until our buildings re-open and it would be great if you could help us spread the message about this and also reassure customers that there will be no library fines accrued during this period of closure. We have also been making some changes to our library management system to make things as easy as possible for everyone – please see below;
- Maximum number of library stock renewals increased to 15
- All current loans have been extended and will be monitored
- Fines amnesty has been put in place and will be reviewed as and when necessary
- If you have a reservation waiting for collection, we will keep it for you
West Berkshire Libraries have for many years been developing digital resources. During the current Covid-19 pandemic the service has seen large increases in online usage as people turn to reading, learning and researching to make good use of their time at home. Despite the libraries being closed since 21st March 2020, to minimise risks to customers, staff and volunteers, the overall level of items borrowed has gone up by 6.8% in the 12 month period from April 2019 to March 2020. This is largely due to loans of almost 90,000 e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers which has increased by a staggering 127.39%. The Library service offers its members access to these free resources, and customers who are not already members of the library can join online now and start using the e-library service straightaway. For details and to join please check our website.
While Newbury Library is closed to the public, Storytime has moved online. Children’s author Rachel Jane recorded a Storytime for the library from home, which was broadcast on YouTube. Rachel read from one of her own books, ‘Milo goes to the seaside’ - one of her popular series about a campervan called Milo, beautifully illustrated by Jamie Flack. We are now aiming to offer digital Storytimes every Friday morning. For more details about this and all other library activities, follow West Berkshire Libraries on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
This half term we are offering a weekly reading challenge to children via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, encouraging youngsters to read widely and to talk about books with family and friends. We’ve also set up a ‘Builders’ Club’ for those who are missing our popular LEGO clubs in libraries, with different themes each week for things to make from LEGO bricks or other materials around the home, and we are promoting online craft activities with book-related ideas.
West Berkshire Libraries have recently set up a new Facebook group called West Berks Reads as a place for people to share their thoughts about books and find ideas for what to read next. This has proved very popular, with over 120 members already connecting with others to talk about books. Throughout April, the group is encouraging everyone to read the same book and then send in their comments about it to share with others in mid-May. This month’s book is ‘Sal’ by Mick Kitson, which is available as both an e-book and e-audiobook to download from the library, with no waiting lists. You can find out more on the West Berks Reads Facebook Group.
Reset your PIN here: https://westberks.spydus.co.uk/PIN - instructions will then be sent to the email address linked with your West Berkshire Libraries account.
Your library PIN allows you to access your online account and use our variety of digital resources and e-libraries 24/7. Details can be found on our website.
Keep in touch with the latest news and events from West Berkshire Libraries:
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