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<p>Please note that public libraries is a devolved matter.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>In
England, whilst library buildings were closed or access limited during the Covid-19
pandemic, there was a significant rise in the number of people accessing library services
online and downloading e-books and e-audiobooks from their library service.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>Although absolute numbers of online readers increased, this was from
a low base and it is not yet clear whether this will be a permanent shift or drop
back. It will be for local councils, as the statutory providers of library services,
to consider the needs of local people and communities with regard to future planning
for digital library provision.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Total support committed
to councils in England to tackle the impacts of Covid-19 is over £12 billion. Over
£6 billion of this is unringfenced in recognition that local authorities are best
placed to decide how to meet the Covid-19 pressures in their area, including public
libraries.</p><p> </p>
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