New investment in city library services

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced £151,000 investment into library services to buy e-books and digital audio resources.

Under the programme, each of the 151 public library services in England – including in Sunderland – will receive £1,000 for immediate and unrestricted use for new digital stock.

Bolinda UK Ltd, Sunderland City

Council’s supplier ofe Books an de Audio books through its digital platform Service, has agreed to match the offer with an extra £1,000.

ACE said library services have seen a significant rise in membership over the past month, up by 600% compared to this time last year, with a 146% increase in the demand for digital stock.

Cllr Linda Williams, cabinet member for vibrant city at Sunderland City Council, said: “Sunderland Libraries Services is grateful for the contribution from Arts Council England and will further increase the range of digital products to include extra children's titles, health and well-being books and popular fiction novels, making a difference to the lives of at home during the current lockdown.”

To download the Borrowbox app on your smartphone or tablet, search for 'Borrowbox' on the App Store or Google Play store, or go to www.sunderland.gov. uk/ libraries for more details.

Sue Williamson, ACE director of libraries, said: “We have seen more people using library digital services, as well as a huge increase in demand for eBooks and eAudio books. This injection of money will help every public library in England respond to that demand for digital content and continue to provide an invaluable service.”