How have libraries in the county prepared for the lockdown?
The magic word is digitization.
Reading on site is no longer possible.
District
- A cup of tea, a cozy blanket and a good book with it: In autumn and winter, many people are eager to read anyway - and now, in the Corona lockdown, even more so.
The libraries in the district also know that books are booming.
But digitization has found its way there.
Due to the hygiene requirements, the quality of stay has suffered greatly, says Susanne Beck.
She heads the Freising City Library, which is stocked with almost 90,000 media.
"Since the reopening after the first lockdown in mid-May, there has been no media use on site, only lending operations." The number of visitors has been reduced by around half.
"The number of active readers who borrow analog media such as books, games or DVDs, however, has reached 70 percent of the previous year," reports Beck.
It was rather difficult to compare the digital loan numbers, as the offer had fundamentally changed and expanded with joining a loan network and changing the portal for e-books.
Romance novels have been borrowed well for years
Suspense novels, picture books and CDs for children, young people's books, but also romance novels are particularly popular.
"But they have been borrowed above average for years, so that's not Corona-specific," says Beck.
Before the second lockdown, many would have stocked up on reading material.
In the meantime, the rush has regulated itself again.
"The number of visitors is less than normal, the people are more reserved."
Readers are often unsure whether libraries are open at all
Linda Kotzer confirms this.
"Some readers are a little insecure, they also call whether we are open at all - yes, we have", emphasizes the head of the Moosburg City Library.
Because it is uncertain how the situation will develop, many would stock up on books and the like.
“E-books, e-audios and e-videos are currently being borrowed more and more,” says Kotzer.
Nevertheless, the physical inventory, which includes almost 24,000 items, is still popular.
“A book is more suitable for families than a tablet.
With children, it's about the feel. "
As far as the offer is concerned, the Moosburg library is "very broadly positioned", both analogue and digital.
The current reading behavior is striking: "Right now, in the Corona era, many prefer to read funny, encouraging books than crime novels and thrillers," says Kotzer.
Petra Niedermaier cannot confirm that.
“With adults it has unfortunately been the case for years that they should only ooze with blood.
Regional thrillers are particularly in demand, ”reports the head of the Hallbergmoos community library.
In this regard, they are upgrading, but they value a wide range.
“We are also guided by the lists for the German Book Prize.” Fantasy is very popular with children and young people, but just as funny as the “Greg's Diary” series.
"And of course classics like Astrid Lindgren and Otfried Preußler."
“Traditionally, a lot is borrowed in autumn and winter,” says Niedermair.
“It is gratifying that this is also the case this year, despite the pandemic.” So that it does not get boring at home, she and her team have topped up in time for the start of lockdown.
Whether baking cookies, handicrafts, board games or Christmas stories: "There is enough activity for parents and children."
Online rentals up 50 percent since March
What makes this year different from previous years: “The total number of 18,800 physical media borrowed is basically going down a bit.
In contrast, online lending has risen by 50 percent since March, ”reports the library manager.
This online loan had become more conscious due to Corona.
Visitors to Hallbergmoos can access around 60,000 digital media: fiction, non-fiction, children's and young people's books, daily newspapers, magazines and audio books are on offer.
"A film portal is also planned for the future."
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