Oldham Libraries 'book up' the spirits of residents

Oldham Libraries have been keeping residents throughout the borough entertained and engaged during these uncertain times. 

When the country went into lockdown back in March, Oldham Council's libraries team had to find new ways to provide their service for people of all ages. 

Although events as we knew them have changed dramatically since March, staff have worked alongside cultural partners, local artists and creative practitioners to help create some degree of normality.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “I am so proud of our library staff for their sterling efforts in keeping our residents, especially some of our most isolated and vulnerable, connected and entertained during the initial lockdown period.

“Despite these very uncertain times, our staff are extremely resourceful and have managed to continue providing a great service over these last few months.

“We are very fortunate in Oldham to have such an outstanding service with dedicated staff.”

Despite restrictions, the team continued to provide a range of services, including weekly Rhymetime events, swapping the Children’s Library for Facebook Live; virtual author interviews and live performances online.

Between 23 March and 16 August, the libraries' staff produced 30 videos, which generated more than 10,000 views and organised 37 live events, attracting a further 3,671 viewers.

For those wanting to fill their time with reading, almost 35,000 e-books and e-audio books were downloaded from March to August - an increase of 300 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Avid readers who preferred to turn the page of a physical book were also catered for as Oldham Libraries teamed up with Age UK to increase their Home Library Service. This involved delivering over 250 books and reaching out to 60 new service users.

In order to ensure no one was left out, they also supported the delivery of an additional 300 books, creative and sports care packages in partnership with Oldham Community Leisure, Housing Associations, schools and community groups to reach families, young people and individuals most in need.

To assist residents who are considered digitally excluded, they submitted a bid to the Good Things Foundation and received 10 digital tablets to distribute to those who needed them most.

As well as this, to support those who were finding the move over to digital difficult, they offered weekly support sessions to help with basic digital skills.

Some library staff members were redeployed to Registrars, Community Hub Response Teams, PPE Hub distribution, Track and Trace and Helpline services. Even the Community Libraries have played their part and have been a base for the Covid engagement teams, which several library staff are also supporting.

Cllr Brownridge added: “Even as we deal with further restrictions Oldham Libraries continue to provide a great service to the people of the borough.”

Main image:

Michaela Morton at a live Rhymetime session.