How to get support to use library service

Residents who are not online but still want to find information about Derbyshire County Council's library service, get help with enquiries or basic digital skills are being encouraged to ring a dedicated call back information line for support.

The number of people across Derbyshire who have registered with the county council’s library service since the coronavirus outbreak has risen steeply, with more than 1,100 people registering for the first time.

Residents have been taking advantage of free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, and are tuning in on Derbyshire Libraries Facebook and Twitter for a variety of online offerings, including regular storytime and rhymetime sessions, Family Bookshare, monthly reader and listening groups and family activity ideas to name but a few.

There is also a ‘Libraries from home’ webpage which brings together a collection of interesting and useful website links for people to explore.

However, so everyone can take advantage of the service while libraries remain temporarily closed, residents who are not online can call the county council’s Library Information Service for help.

A team of specialist librarians are behind the in-depth enquiry service, and they can help with a range of queries, calls for information, help with research or sign-posting to digital skills courses and technical support for the online resources.

The Library Information Service can be contacted on 01629 533444 where people can leave a message and receive a call back from a member of the library service team, or by email at ask.library@derbyshire.gov.uk

Examples of how the service can help include:

• Help and advice on using a computer, tablet or smart phone
• Locating contact details for organisations and support
• Homework, hobbies and research
• Support to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers.

Derbyshire residents are being asked to share the number with family or friends they think may find it useful while their local libraries are closed.

Cllr Barry Lewis, DCC Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, said: “The increased number of library members has been incredible and it’s wonderful that so many Derbyshire residents have been taking advantage of the free library service and all it has to offer during the lockdown.

“There really is something for everyone, from hobbies and research opportunities to free books, newspapers and other publications.

“However, for the small number of people who are not online, the service is still there for them, and I hope people will contact the Library Information Service if they think they may be able to help with a query about the service, or even take their first step in to the online world by finding out more about basic digital skills.”

For library members who are online, activities, information and opportunities for home learning are being added to all the time. You can find out more by going to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/libraries.