Virtual library becomes a reality

Photo: diego cervo - stock.adobe.com

The BorrowBox service enables Rochdale Borough Library customers to access their favourites titles for free

A virtual library provided by Rochdale Council is providing residents of all ages with the opportunity to continue reading, listening and learning during the lockdown.

The service, which is free for library members, provides access to some of the nation’s favourite titles in eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines.

There is also access to an ancestry library edition for residents wishing to research their family history, plus expert help for those new to computers, or for anyone preparing for a driving theory test.

Information about the virtual library and how to become a Rochdale Borough Council Library member can be found at:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries

In a further boost award-winning children’s author, Adam Perrott, who did regular storytime sessions in Alkrington library before the shutdown, is also live streaming dinosaur storytime sessions on Saturday mornings on the council’s Facebook page.

• www.facebook.com/rochdalecouncil

The Middleton writer, whose book Eerie Deirdre Darkly, won the Beryl Bainbridge Award for a first time author in 2011, streams his sessions at 10am.

Adam also livestreams storytimes during the week on his own Facebook page: www.facebook.com/adam.perrott.37

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “This excellent initiative ensures our most popular and best-loved library services can continue to be accessed by customers during the lockdown. There has never been a better time to become a library member and enjoy a love of reading and learning. We have hundreds of top titles by famous authors available for people of all ages, as we continue to branch out and provide a library service to be proud of.”