Libraries in the pandemic: Evolving services to meet local need

Public libraries are an essential service for recovery from the pandemic, uniquely equipped to offer human contact and support to the broadest range of people.

Our new paper summarises the findings from our recent Libraries in Lockdown report as well as new evidence from other organisations to demonstrate the difference that libraries made to their communities during this crisis.

Libraries are not just partners but core agencies that regularly provide direct services and prevent the escalation of issues such as deprivation and loneliness. They are a vital prevention and support service yet cost an average of just 0.6% of council spending.

During lockdown libraries and their staff kept communities connected and supported the most vulnerable. They also demonstrated their skills, empathy and flexibility during the crisis to respond to the rapidly evolving situation.

We're calling on councils to think ‘libraries first’ when commissioning and help libraries to work with local services to reduce future costs in welfare, education, health and social care.

Libraries in the pandemic: Evolving services to meet local need

 


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Libraries in the pandemic: Evolving services to meet local need

A summary of findings from our recent Libraries in Lockdown report as well as new evidence from other organisations to demonstrate the difference that libraries made to their communities during this crisis.



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Libraries in Lockdown: Connecting communities in crisis

Our Libraries in Lockdown report shows how libraries and their staff kept communities connected and supported the most vulnerable.



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Libraries: An essential part of local recovery

A local advocacy toolkit to help promote libraries as key partners in the local recovery from Coronavirus.