During the isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, people looked for ways to keep themselves diverted. The ACT public libraries provided books and DVDS suitable for this purpose.
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Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel says, "Around 2.5 million items are borrowed each year from ACT public libraries by Canberrans, demonstrating the continued relevance of our local libraries to our communities. Our libraries play an integral role in the everyday lives of Canberrans whether it be for information or entertainment, or providing social connection,"
The most popular books in physical format in 2020 were: The Weekend by Charlotte Wood (winner of the 2020 Australian Book Industry Awards Fiction Book of the Year); the Jack Reacher crime novel Blue Moon by Lee Child; former US first lady Michelle Obama's autobiography Becoming; Trent Dalton's multiple award-winner Boy Swallows Universe; and coming of age mystery Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen.
The most popular DVDs in 2020 were: the biography of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody; Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood; the Australian comedy-drama Ladies in Black based on Madeleine St John's novel; the psychological thriller Joker; and Judy, a biopic of singer-actress Judy Garland.
Some of these items were also among the most borrowed in 2019. Becoming and Boy Swallows Universe were number one and three, respectively, on the book list last year and Bohemian Rhapsody topped the list of DVDS in 2019 with Ladies in Black in fourth place.
The most popular titles borrowed digitally in 2020 included humour, autobiographies and contemporary fiction.
Adults and children can use their library membership to download, stream and use the library at home, with eBooks, streaming music, movies and documentaries, and other digital resources available.
During and after the Christmas break, children can enjoy free activities and resources on the Libraries ACT website and when the libraries reopen can use the branches' resources.
"When visiting a library branch, take the kids along and borrow some of the Super Summer reading suggestions," Mr Steel says.
"Register children for their own library membership also. Let them choose their own books and help their motivation to read grow.
"Children aged between zero and five who are registered for their own membership before February 14 are also eligible for a free book to keep while stocks last.
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"With plenty of free time over the summer school holidays, it's important for kids to keep practicing their reading and writing in a fun way. This will make it easier to go back to school with literacy skills retained and confidence to start the new year."
Among the activities and experiences are: a summer reading challenge competition; a video series of writing workshops with Australian Children's Laureate Ursula Dubosarsky; a free downloadable activity book; super summer reading suggestions; and myths, fairy tales and Dreaming stories.
For library information and online services visit library.act.gov.au.
Ron Cerabona
As arts reporter I am interested in and cover a wide range of areas - film, visual art, theatre and music, among others - to tell readers about what's coming and happening in the vibrant and varied world of the arts in Canberra. Email: ron.cerabona@canberratimes.com.au
As arts reporter I am interested in and cover a wide range of areas - film, visual art, theatre and music, among others - to tell readers about what's coming and happening in the vibrant and varied world of the arts in Canberra. Email: ron.cerabona@canberratimes.com.au
