Good news for readers: Thousands of books made available online after Harrogate libraries forced to close

Online library services in Harrogate have been boosted to keep keen readers busy during the three-week lockdown enforced by the government.
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North Yorkshire County Council is making more e-books, audio books, newspapers, magazines and comics available online - and is also extending the loan period for all books, DVDs and CDs already on loan or renewed to three months.

It comes after the council was forced to close all of its libraries in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

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Online library services in Harrogate have been boosted to keep keen readers busy during the three-week lockdown.Online library services in Harrogate have been boosted to keep keen readers busy during the three-week lockdown.
Online library services in Harrogate have been boosted to keep keen readers busy during the three-week lockdown.

Coun Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “While the Government has not specifically cited libraries in its briefings, in light of the recent escalation of the Covid-19 situation it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that library buildings should close to protect communities, staff and volunteers from infection.

“We understand that some residents rely on their library as a place to get information and support. We are working to ensure that while the libraries remain closed everyone can access the information and support they need."

People are now only allowed out of their homes to buy essential supplies, to exercise once a day, for medical visits or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person, or to travel to and from work.

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Coun White added: “People who are at home and can get online can make use of our extensive digital service. Thousands of e-books, e-audio books, newspapers, magazines, comics, reference works and educational resources are available, and we’re making it easy for people to access them, if they don’t already do so, and to join the library if they are not yet members.

“We anticipate increased demand for e-books and e-audio, so have placed an order to make more copies available.”

All the council's digital services can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/digital-library.

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To access these, you will need your library card number and PIN number.

If you do not know your PIN, call 01609 533878 and one will be issued. If you are not a library member and wish to join, ring the same number.

For the latest updates on the library services, and other county council services, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/coronavirus

By Jacob Webster, Local Democracy Reporter