E-lectrifying tales
Readers switch to technology for mystery and crime escapism
1. 2. writers like Val McDermid are popular across the region
Lockdown has sparked a spike in eBook and eAudiobook loans from Perth and Kinross libraries.
With the area’s libraries closed, members are switching to technology to continue their love of reading.
Culture Perth and Kinross, which operates the area’s libraries, has revealed there was a 74 per cent increase in eBook downloads in March 2020 compared with March 2019.
And Perthshire readers seem to be particularly drawn to mystery or crime novels for a bit of much-needed escapism with Ian Rankin and Rebecca
Tope topping the most-borrowed lists.
Culture Perth and Kinross temporarily closed all its archives, libraries, museums, galleries and mobile library service throughout Perth and Kinross on March 17.
Libraries suspended all loan deadlines and fines until further notice and asked that members did not return books until the libraries reopen.
Culture Perth and Kinross also recommended readers did not swap library books with other members during the outbreak, instead suggesting members browse the large virtual collection of books and eResources.
A spokesperson for Culture Perth
In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin is the number one eAudiobook in Perth and Kinross libraries and Kinross said: “The availability of free eBooks from libraries has risen in the public’s consciousness due to the lockdown.
“This has encouraged more people to join the library for the first time online to enable them to use the eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.
“This is an encouraging trend and Culture Perth and Kinross is delighted to be helping people through this difficult period in some small way.
“We have expanded the range of eResources we have available in response to this increased interest and when the library service can open its doors again, we expect to see continued interest in this area of our
Lucy Foley’s The Guest List is number one in the top 10 eBooks on hold or reservation offer.
“Whilst we know it is likely that there will be continued restrictions of some sort for some time, we know how loyal and supportive our customers are and how keen they will be to be able to visit their local library again.
“There is a place for both the physical library and the online one with many customers choosing to dip in and out of both of these whilst others remain firmly in one camp or another.
“There is no doubt that the current global pandemic will bring changes to the way in which people live their lives and the types of services and activities they will want to engage with.
“Whilst it is too early to predict what