Burnham-On-Sea residents have been using Somerset’s online library service in record numbers during the Coronavirus pandemic, according to new figures.
Burnham-On-Sea library’s physical building is closed to the public during the lockdown, along with the rest of Somerset’s libraries.
However, Somerset Libraries’ online service has seen an increase in use of 544 per cent compared to the number of people joining during the same period last year.
Somerset County Council says residents have enjoyed thousands of free downloads of books, audiobooks and magazines since the lockdown started.
New services are now also available to library members including access to Ancestry.com for those people interested in researching their family tree; comics and graphic novels for teens and younger readers, and even access to Medici TV, with more than 2,500 videos including concerts, operas, ballets and more.
Councillor David Hall, cabinet member with responsibility for libraries at SCC, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is important to keep our minds active during these challenging times when we all have so much time on our hands.”
“I am delighted to see so many people taking advantage of our online library services to get them through the day.”
“Now, more than ever before, the Library Service is playing a crucial role in supporting the people of Somerset.”
The Library service is continuing to provide many of its most popular events and activities thanks to library staff who, working from home have been busy creating a host of vibrant content on social media, including story-times, quizzes and other activities.
SCC said anyone in Somerset can download books, audiobooks, graphic novels and a range of magazines, including titles like Radio Times, BBC Good Food and National Geographic, for free with your library card.
For more information or to join the library email librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk or call 0300 123 2224. Alternatively step by step guides on the application process and how to download literature are available at www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries.
