Virtual library keeps the joy and magic of reading alive

Bath & North East Somerset Council has set up an exciting virtual library to help children and adults keep their love of literature going while libraries are closed during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The virtual library launches on Monday (30 March) and will have dynamic, changing content each weekday to suit all ages via the library service’s social media accounts.

Mornings will be dedicated to children and will offer links to education, creative learning, fun facts, rhymes, stories and crafts. 

Afternoons will focus on adults by sharing a range of e-books and e-magazines alongside tips on literacy, finding reliable online information, jobs and income support and how to access help from partner services.

Book groups haven’t been forgotten and every Friday afternoon customers will be signposted to virtual book groups, recommendations and reviews by both staff and other readers.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “In this challenging situation we are all experiencing, it’s so important for our wellbeing to continue with things we enjoy whenever we can. Our virtual library will help keep the joy and magic of reading alive as well as help people access the information and support they need, just like our ‘real’ libraries do under normal circumstances."

Councillor Dine Romero, council Leader, said: “I’d encourage everyone who has online access to have a look at the library social media accounts each weekday – you might be surprised at all the interesting things you will find.”

The virtual library can be found from 30 March on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BathnesLibraries1/ or on Twitter https://twitter.com/BathnesL.

More information is also on the libraries webpage here https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/library-and-information-services

For updates on all council services go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus