Kingston Libraries - leading the way
Kingston Libraries, together with Libraries Connected, delivered the first ever Digital Bootcamp, offering librarians across the country the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills, on 12 Nov.
Cllr Rebekah Moll, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Culture at Kingston Council, said:
“During COVID-19, the library service moved completely online - with an improved e-resources offer and a range of activities and events. Many residents have utilised this, and our teams have done an amazing job, producing 340 videos of original content with almost 89,000 views on Facebook and Youtube. There was a regular online book group and crafternoons, regular rhyme time sessions and book reviews online, and many more activities and online resources provided throughout.
“Moving forward, even as our libraries reopen, digital support will be more important than ever, and we want to keep the relevance of our libraries ensuring they are fit for the future and provide support that our communities need. Kingston Libraries, working with partners and voluntary organisations, are also working to introduce a Virtual Job Club, that will be launching later this year.”
Libraries Connected is a charity set up to advocate for the power of libraries, to demonstrate their importance to individuals and communities, and to support library leaders.
Sarah Mears, Programme Manager at Libraries Connected, said:
“Libraries Connected is thrilled to be working with Kingston Libraries to deliver this national Bootcamp, showcasing some of the incredibly creative digital work that libraries have developed to support and connect with their communities during the pandemic.
“Our physical buildings will always be the beating heart of the library service offer to its communities but the developing digital element of the service is adding enormous value, engaging with new audiences and allowing people to access services in the ways that suit them.”
The event was fully booked - the first time Connected Libraries sold out a digital event. Topics included setting up and running a podcast, filming and editing videos and different approaches to digital support, all presented by different libraries across the country.
In addition, Kingston Council is working with local communities to reimagine local library services. Reimagining Kingston Libraries is a transformational review aimed at placing libraries at the heart of the community and bringing council services closer to residents, ensuring they meet the needs of communities both now and in the future. The first phase of the engagement process finished at the end of October, and we will be reviewing the ideas submitted through the Let’s Talk Portal and other engagement activities to develop the next phase of the review.
Kingston Council is currently undertaking several initiatives to boost the borough's economic productivity, mitigate high rates of unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and promote digital skills and inclusion.