If you’re already climbing the walls during lockdown, then don’t worry – the East Sussex library service can help. While our physical libraries might be currently closed due to the Coronavirus, our online offering is looking better than ever!
Firstly – don’t worry
Firstly, if you have physical books that you took out from a library before the lockdown, then don’t worry about returning them for the moment.
We have scrapped fines for any items that were due to be returned after 9 March 2020, and all current and new library loans will be extended until at least 30 June so no one has to worry about overdue library books or other items.
Our online library of course is operating as normal and we have increased the number of items available online. If you’re not already aware, our eLibrary includes – not just books – but also audiobooks, magazines and reference material.
New members – welcome!
If you’re not currently a member of our library service and you live, work or study in East Sussex, then you can join up online today!
Just fill in your details and we will then post your card to you. It should arrive within 7 days of your application. In the meantime, you’ll be assigned a temporary library card number once you’ve completed the form.
Please note: if you are under 16 you will need an adult aged over 18 with you who will agree to be responsible for the items you borrow and any charges. A parent or guardian is best.
Once you’re set up with your temporary pin, you can start accessing our wealth of online resources! See below for a taster of what’s to come…
Existing members – a reminder of what’s on offer
If you’re already a member of the library service then you may already know about the fab things you can access for free online. But, just in case you don’t, we’ve rounded up the highlights below. With new titles added regularly, there’s no reason to get bored during lockdown.
Fancy reading all the most up-to-date magazines without paying a penny? Not a problem! Browse through a vast array of online magazines, from Top Gear to National Geographic, Countryfile to Cosmo, there’s sure to be something you’ll enjoy with a cuppa. Newspapers more your thing? Never miss out on the headlines with newspapers from the UK and around the world on offer online.
Whether you love non-fiction, fiction, poetry or children’s literature, the list of eBooks and audiobooks on offer is pretty impressive. Why not join in with the East Sussex Book Club that is currently running and celebrate local author Sheila Bugler by reading her latest book I Could Be You. During March, April and May, you can borrow the ebook with no waitlists and no holds. It would be a crime to miss out!
If you’re not sure where to start for reading inspo, why not check out last month’s Get In Our Good Books, which rounds up the top five books each month, recommended by our very own librarians!
Audiobooks are a great way to unwind too. Being read to is really helpful in calming the mind and, along with mind, body and spirit titles, you’ll find bestsellers, new fiction and children’s stories to keep the little ones entertained.
If you’re looking to broaden your mind rather than quiet it, why not check out our reference and research resources? You can look at maps, dive into local and family history as well as accessing electoral registers, encyclopaedias and dictionaries.
Need help?
If you have any problems accessing any of our online offering, then don’t panic. There are handy ‘how to’ guides online for each section, telling you how to do it step by step.
If you’re on Facebook, why not keep up to date with the latest library news and follow the East Sussex Library and Information Service Facebook page, where there are lots of lovely links and videos posted regularly for all of you bibliophiles out there.
Now the trickiest thing you should have to decide is… what am I going to read next? Decisions, decisions…
