The Local Government Association (LGA) has reported a surge in the loan of e-books from council libraries and called for financial support from the Government to make more available.
It said the coronavirus outbreak, and the subsequent closure of public libraries, has prompted a big increase in the number of people borrowing digital books – citing highs of 630% at Cornwall Council and 770% at Hampshire County council.
But it pointed to the licensing limits on the number of e-books and audio books that councils can lend, and called on the Government and publishers to unlock an additional £5 million to increase the availability.
An LGA spokesperson said the figure was an estimate based on its conversations with organisations in the sector. It has asked for the government to provide money and for publishers to be more generous in the terms on which licences are issued.
It said this would increase access to reading materials and improve people’s wellbeing during a stressful time.
Rocketing numbers
Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “The number of people registering to use digital library services across some parts of the country has rocketed.
“Council libraries provide a vital service for residents and act as community hubs in normal times. Their online digital contribution has now become equally important as people turn to them as a way to help pass the time at home.
“Councils are doing everything they can to protect their residents’ wellbeing during this difficult time. Extra funding would help libraries extend their licences and meet this growing demand.”
Image from LGA
