Number of people joining Surrey’s libraries doubles since lockdown

The number of people joining libraries across Surrey has doubled since library buildings closed on 20th March due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Since the closure of Surrey Libraries, there has been an increase in new library membership of 94.6% over and above what the Council would usually anticipate for the period 23 March to 6 April.

Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning, Julie Iles said, “Libraries can change lives for the better and provide opportunities for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Despite our local library buildings sadly closing in March, an extra 506 people have joined between 23 March and 6 April– twice the average joining rate of 260. This just shows the critical role libraries play in our communities, and that our libraries are very much still here for residents.”

More than 4,000 eBooks, eComics and eMagazines were downloaded online in March – a staggering ten times the average number of downloads a month.

Meanwhile, thousands of children across the county have been tuning into Digital Rhymetime sessions on Facebook, with 7,000+ views for the first few sessions. Online reading clubs will soon be available for older residents.

Residents in Surrey can find a vast range of activities and resources on the Council website -www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries.