A push to digital services and a new app have encouraged more people to become members.
Libraries in North Yorkshire say they have seen an influx of new members during the COVID crisis despite being closed during lockdown.
Library service staff have been putting their efforts in to providing digital services and have just launched a new app.
Lee Taylor from the Library Service says it's about providing much more than just books.
Using the app, members can view their account, search the library catalogue and reserve and renew books, as well as downloading e-Lee Tabooks and e-audio books and accessing free online reference resources.
County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said:
“Nowadays, many customers expect services to be available easily on their phone. This app aims to meet those expectations.
“People will be able to see all our resources in one place, in the palm of their hand and available when they’re on the move.
“You’ll be able to find a local library, check its opening hours and check whether a book they’re looking for is there. In addition, if you see a book elsewhere that you’re interested in, you can scan its barcode and find out whether your local library has it.
“We think the app will provide a quick, easy way for people to navigate and access services. I think people will be surprised by just how much is available.”
Other functions include the option to set language preferences and to link library accounts, so customers could link the accounts of other family members, enabling them to manage and renew loans for their children.
During the Covid-19 lockdown period, North Yorkshire’s libraries saw about an extra 3,000 people joining the service to access the free digital resources.
Although libraries have reopened for borrowing, the app can help customers who are isolating or do not feel ready to return to their branch.
To download the app, search for North Yorkshire libraries in the App Store for iOS and in Google Play for Android devices.
Anyone who is not a library member can join online for free at www.northyorks.gov.uk/how-join-library
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