Sheffield library continues to provide access to key services during second lockdown

And now, in the midst of the second national coronavirus lockdown, things remain the same – with key services available for those who may otherwise face having to go without.

Although currently shut for browsing, the lobby at Jordanthorpe Library is open for people using the order and collect service while the book delivery service, which was initially introduced in April to reach elderly customers who were in need of a novel but unable to leave their homes, is also running.

Chair of trustees, Steve Bodey, said it is about more than books though with the library offering a social connection and a safe space for people to meet and access the internet if they can’t at home.

He said: “In March and into the beginning of April most things stopped completely. But, at the end of April that’s when we launched our home delivery service.

“We got a list of our over 70s customers from the council library service and we then set about phoning those customers to see if anybody wanted the home delivery.

“Even when we reopened we knew people may be cautious about visiting the library so we kept that running. We also supply hearing aid batteries. When we first closed, we passed them on to the local pharmacy until we were able to reopen in September.”

Elsewhere, the library was able to continue its work through the ‘local people keeping well partnership’ in which it acted as a collection point for holiday hampers and gave out free books and CDs to children in the area.

Mr Bodey added: "Another thing we’ve been involved in over the summer is a project to combat digital exclusion. So we’re part of a pilot project with other local partners to provide IT equipment, broadband access and training to enable people to connect to the digital world. The project launches this Thursday, November 19.”

Jordanthorpe Library is one of 16 across the city which are entirely run by volunteers, sitting alongside the likes of Greenhill Library and Walkley Carnegie Library.

It has now been six years since they were all taken over by volunteers in order to keep them alive and running for the communities they serve.

Mr Bodey said the lockdown proved an ample opportunity to allow the group to carry out some much-needed maintenance work as well as a stock take.

“We had some work done on the building, new lighting was fitted and the exterior of the library was painted – things that its not as easy to do when the library is open,” he said.

Ordinarily, the library would host a citizen’s advice service but this has been placed on hold due to the current restrictions.

Instead it is now part of a team working to introduce this over Zoom, and is continuing to offer its public computers for those who need to conduct job searches or check on their benefits.

Mr Bodey said: “It’s about giving people access to information, advice and support in any way we can.”

Visit the Jordanthorpe Library website for more information or to contact the volunteer team.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.