Fingal Libraries records a significant increase in demand for e-services since Covid-19 crisis began

E-services, including audiobooks, e-books, newspapers, magazines and music streaming service have proved incredibly popular since the branch network closed at the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Use of e-newspapers and loans of e-audio books and e-books have also recorded a significant increase during the crisis.

Despite the closure of the branch network, Fingal Libraries has continued to provide an important service to members through their online offerings as well as ramping up their social media content.

The Fingal figures reflect a similar trend nationally with the Department of Rural and Community Affairs announcing a phenomenal 313% increase in new users of eBooks and eAudiobooks service and a 246% increase in usage of the online newspapers/e-magazines across the country.

In response to the increased demand, Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring recently allocated €200,000 to purchase over 5,000 new eBooks and eAudiobooks.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “Our library service is a central part of the community and it is wonderful to see that it is continuing to play a central role in the lives of Fingal people during these difficult times. I would encourage all our residents to join and enjoy the many services that it is continuing to provide.”

Fingal’s County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “We are delighted to see an increase in the use of our e-services as our members adjust to the new reality of our branch network being temporarily closed. As well as the provision of e-services, the Fingal Libraries staff have worked hard to increase our offering through our social media channels. We have just launched our own YouTube channel which features all our storytimes, online classes, craft ideas and more.”

Director of Housing and Community Department Margaret Geraghty said: “It is great to see Fingal Libraries playing such an important role for people during this current crisis.  In Fingal we are fully committed to supporting community wellbeing and to ensure that although our library buildings are closed that through e-services our libraries we continue to reach out to as many people as possible.   We will continue to look for ways to provide access to library services for our citizens and look forward to the day when our libraries are open again to the public.”

 For further information about Fingal Libraries, or to become a member, visit https://www.fingal.ie/fingallibraries. Follow them on Twitter @fingallibraries, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fingalibraries, or on Youtube channel called Fingal Libraries.