We hope Huddersfield Hub will provide you with plenty of reading matter but in lockdown you might be missing what’s on offer at your local library.
Libraries across Kirklees are closed but library members can still access a staggering 29,000 e-books and audio books and over 7,000 newspapers and magazines – all completely free of charge.
Kirklees Libraries has done a deal with the Libby App and Press Reader to make books, local and national newspapers and magazines available to read and download at your convenience.
Library members don’t even need to sign up for an account so you won’t be pestered to pay a subscription later.
Just enter your library card number and away you go. The so-called Kirklees “hotspot” gives you access to all the Press Reader titles completely free during lockdown.
Where you might pick up and thumb through a printed newspaper, such as the Examiner or the Yorkshire Post, in Huddersfield Library now you can access the online page-turning edition through Press Reader every day for free.
And if you’re not currently a member of the library, that’s no problem. You can sign up straightaway on the Kirklees Council website and you’ll receive a card number instantly, meaning you can access books and newspapers within minutes.
Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for libraries, said: “We are doing all we can to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe and in doing so we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close our library buildings.
“I am very much aware of how important libraries are to our communities, but we must do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus, and the advice is very clear that people should stay at home if they can.
“We must do all we can to stay safe and protect our NHS. We look forward to opening our library doors again soon and welcoming customers back to our buildings.”
The Home Library service continues to operate, delivering books to residents who may have difficulty accessing library services due to disability, illness or caring responsibilities.
For more details and to check if your eligible please ring 01484 226363.
To sign up go to www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk or for help on joining the library or accessing the free services ring 01484 414868 or email Frontline.Services@kirklees.gov.uk.