Click and collect services run by libraries have been a lifeline for many in lockdown.

People have been able to momentarily escape the anxieties of the pandemic with a good book, start their toddler’s days with virtual Rhyme Times and even print out essential forms, food vouchers or homework via library computers.

Community library managers Basil Nankivell, who covers Trowbridge and Westbury and Claire Dow, who manages Chippenham and Malmesbury, spoke to the Gazette about the upsurge in engagement and the fact that membership has soared by 3,000.

“The online content has been hugely popular,” said Claire. “It was an element to our service prior to the pandemic but something we’ve certainly explored more via our online content, YouTube or Facebook pages.”

“There are so many studies that look at how people have coped with anxiety and stress during the pandemic, and 30 minutes of reading is one of the most effective ways to lower anxieties. While we can’t welcome people into the buildings during lockdown, being able to connect in some way is really important for us.

“We’ve learned a lot as well. I run an online book club for Chippenham library that used to meet in the library space, whereas now it is actually more convenient for some to join from home.”

Basil added: “A lot of what libraries are about are being a big strong part of our local towns and communities.

“Doing order and collect at our larger libraries has been hugely valuable. Often people combine their daily exercise with a walk to the library.”

The Home Library Service, which was offered to people isolated at home, was incredibly touching for library staff who received calls in from people who said the drop-off “lifted their spirits” and allowed them to feel less lonely.

Computers are also available for essential reasons in library buildings. At Trowbridge Basil witnessed a member, without a computer, lose her job in the first lockdown.

Using library computers for forms and applications, she got a new job just last week.

One EU national completed forms that allowed him to stay in England as a result of Brexit, and parents have been able to print off food vouchers and homework from the safety of the library.

Claire added: “ Lockdown has highlighted how essential our services are for many people.”

“We constantly are connecting with people so as we move through this period and towards whatever the new reality is, and we will continue to work with our community partners to build the best possible local support network that we can do to make sure Wiltshire does recover.

“At our hearts we would love to be opening our doors but we need to look after our users and we want to keep them as safe as possible.”

Basil added: “In the first lockdown, libraries were mentioned as an exemption. That felt like the first time in my 20-year-plus career that someone in central government has said libraries are special.

“That realisation now that libraries are seen as important by senior decision makers in the country is pretty valuable.”

The next chapter for Wiltshire libraries will come when they can partially reopen services by Monday, April 12.

“We’ve seen that libraries are far more than just books”, said Claire.

“They’re about people and they’re about communities.”