Cornwall's libraries thriving as Covid lockdown sparks appetite for books

Libraries across the West Country are beginning to re-open - and they are proving more popular than ever before.

Figures show that despite buildings being closed for a lengthy period during lockdown, 4,000 new members signed up to Cornwall's library service over the summer.

Linda Moffatt from Cornwall Council said: "Libraries are very much about face-to-face interaction with customers, so it was a really difficult time for us to understand how we could continue to help people while we were not open."

Initially things moved online - rhyme times, Lego clubs and even virtual book reviews could be accessed on the web - and click and collect system also proved popular. Then finally the buildings began to fully re-open.

Christine Goodman, Mayor of Torpoint, said: "The town council has made every effort to give our community the confidence to come into the library, every measure has been taken to safeguard everyone. People need that connection, they need to meet. It's human nature."

Councillor Edwina Hannaford added: "People really do care. There is an emotional attachment to libraries."

Read more:

• A rise in reading during the lockdown

• Retailers struggle with 600 new books released in one day

• More people turning to digital library services during lockdown