New data shows the effect of the Covid pandemic on borrowing books
THE annual combined attendance of libraries in Wales’ capital city dropped by a staggering 89% between 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Cardiff Council data, obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request by The Cardiffian, shows the annual footfall for libraries across the city, with each recorded year commencing in April.
The pandemic broke out during the final period recorded, and it evidently had a major impact on visits to all the libraries.
Despite the diminishing attendances, many in Cardiff still believe the services libraries provide are important.
Trudi Noake, 40, who mainly uses the Llanishen Hub, said: “I use the library loads for getting books for my young son. I used the library before, during and after lockdown.
“Given the current economic climate and the price of books, it is even more essential for libraries to reach more people.”
Llanishen Hub took a big hit in footfall throughout Covid, with attendance going from 51,000 people in 2019/20 to a fifth of that figure the year after with 10,047.
The capital’s main library, Cardiff Central Hub, experienced the biggest loss with a drop of 534,781 people visiting in 2020/21 from 2019/20’s total of 608,942.
The library, at the Canal Street end of The Hayes, still recorded the highest attendance figures year on year for the city during Covid, attracting 35,568 more people than second-ranked Ely.
Chloe Howells-Reid, 28, who mainly uses Central, said: “I really missed the library during Covid, so I was happy when they allowed people to make appointments to pick up books or browse.
“In December of 2020 and January of 2021, you could make appointments to pick up books at the front entrance but that’s just one element of the library as lots of people go for advice and support.”
Throughout the library’s gradual reopening, attendees were required to wear masks and display Covid passes.
On March 23, 2020, Welsh Government restrictions required all libraries to close, with just four core locations (Central, Ely, Powerhouse and Trowbridge St Mellons) being allowed to remain open by appointment only.
From June 8, 2020, a click and collect model was put in place, allowing some people to order books to be delivered to their home.
“For four days a week, outreach staff delivered books to the homes of anyone who could not attend a hub to collect or return books, whether it be due to personal circumstances such as shielding, isolating, disabilities or transport issues,” said a Cardiff Council spokesperson.
But people were still unable to attend the libraries in person as normal due to closures and restrictions for the following year and a half, as the data demonstrates.
Another library that particularly suffered in the lockdown period was Penylan, at the Ninian Road and Wellfield Road junction.
The data shows that in 2020/21, the library suffered the biggest total percentage loss in their attendance from the year prior, with 99% of their visitors not returning.
This was more than any other library that was open at any point during that period.
This high figure could be attributed to then takeover of the lease by Greenwich Leisure Limited, which kept the facility closed even after some city libraries had reopened.
Marlene Williams Basiletti, 86, who primarily uses Penylan, said: “The thing I missed most during lockdown was my library as I get through about five books in three weeks.
“I wasn’t afraid to return as all the precautions were in place, but I did have an alternative during lockdown though. The locals took over a couple of old telephone kiosks, and it was used as a library.
“You took the books when you were finished with them and brought new ones home with you. Where there’s a will!”
This scheme was used throughout lockdown, until the reopening of Penylan Library on May 3, 2021.
Alongside Covid restrictions, an increase in digital resources could also be a factor in dwindling footfall.
According to Cardiff Council, there was an 114% increase in digital loans last year, showing a clear move away from the in-person use of the modern library.
There is no definitive guidance relating to library Covid restrictions on the Welsh Government’s websites, with no mention of libraries in the latest rules released on February 28.
“Face coverings do not have to be worn in community centres, though we strongly recommend you consider wearing one,” reads the Welsh Government website.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “Modified operational arrangements remain in place, in line with Welsh Government coronavirus restrictions.”
