Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 8
Sharing the joy
“I don’t like watching
TV so this is my entertainment, I
would be lost without the books!”
Sharing the joy of reading
in difficult times.
During the first lockdown customers
praised Explore’s speedy pivot to provide
an online Library from Home. Swift and
clear communications by email and through
council and community newsletters were
valued.
Customers were glad we could keep some
libraries open during the November lockdown
and valued the service they received. Some
customers enjoyed phone contact and the
chance to chat about books as a welcome
respite from a lonely day.
Customers commented on friendly
efficient customer service which
was especially valued during the
challenges of the third lockdown.
New ways of borrowing books
during the pandemic such as
Click and Collect and the Lucky
Dip book selections were highly
valued by customers. The
element of fun and personal
interaction in the Lucky Dips seems
to have contributed to wellbeing too.
“We had free flow
gentle conversations
prompted by the book and
by current events. Sharing
everyday experiences
was invaluable, such as
vaccines and
vaccination
experiences.”
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EXPLORE ANNUAL REVIEW 2020-21
“Thank you from the bottom of my
heart … literally saved my sanity
over the last year. Wonderful
customer service.”
“I am usually hard to please,
but was happily astonished every single encounter is
outstanding.”
“Massive shout
out to York Explore
for their ‘lucky dip’
service. My mum filled
out a form about what
she wants and got a
bag of fifteen books to
read. Great idea.”
Sharing the joy reading together
“I looked forward
to the contact, and to
doing something as a
group at a time when
we were prevented
from meeting in
person.”
We ran online reading groups, in
partnership with Joseph Rowntree
Housing Trust and Ways to Wellbeing,
to combat social isolation and improve health and wellbeing.
The groups read aloud together, then talked. No preparation
was needed, so people who did not necessarily have
confidence with literature and did not often access cultural
services felt comfortable attending. The sessions were
promoted specifically to people who were socially isolated
and vulnerable during the pandemic lockdowns.
