Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 5
Here for you – virtually
We quickly transferred our entire library offer online. We
provided everything digitally, from reading and information to
supporting individual wellbeing through creative events and
activities for all ages, connecting people and communities,
and offering ways to engage with one another and with us
digitally.
Here for you –
Community Hubs
Explore was central to the swift set
up and operation of the Council’s
community hubs for people who were
shielding. These ensured access to
food, medicines, and anything else they
needed. Clifton and Acomb Explore
Centres were used as hubs, Explore staff
managed the hubs, and willing Explore
volunteers were drafted in to help out.
By the end of the lockdown the 8 hubs in
the city had provided over 23,000 hours
of support.
“I volunteered to support
the hubs as I wanted to be able to
help our community as much as
possible during the pandemic. A lot
of the people we came into contact
with were shielding so were unable
to leave their homes. They really
appreciated the regular chat with
another person. It made them feel
less isolated knowing that there was
someone who was only a phone call
away if they needed any help.”
KAREN, YORK EXPLORE
Here for you – trusted information
Libraries at Home web pages provided links
to accurate information about the pandemic,
health information, support for home
schooling, and a huge variety of content for
people to explore and be entertained or
learn something new.
So people could easily find what they
needed, we refreshed the Explore
website using a tile design to highlight
and link to specific content. This was
used as an example of good practice
at a marketing seminar facilitated by
The British Library, and was praised for
its simple layout and ease of access.
Here for you – safe welcoming spaces
In July ahead of re-opening all libraries we created a video to reassure people
that our libraries, cafes and archive were covid-secure environments. Written
feedback and informal conversations showed that staff and customers felt
safe and welcomed the chance to return to libraries. And the Click and Deliver
model now forms part of our strategy should we ever go into lockdown again.
EXPLORE ANNUAL REVIEW 2020-21
5
