Greenwich librarians proving an online hit during lockdown
Lockdown has made stars of librarians who have taken their storytelling and activities online.
GLL in Greenwich has been creating content to provide support and relief for families enduring six weeks in lockdown, using Facebook and Twitter for sessions which are normally provided in library buildings, increasing traffic 20-fold.
Librarians have shown their creative sides, taking producer/director/actor credits when turning their gardens, kitchens and living rooms into ad hoc broadcasting studios for story times, rhyme and sign, and craft sessions for children.
Their videos have received up to 2,900 views and have gained a loyal fan base among viewers who are getting familiar with their Greenwich librarians on screen.
For adults, there are more craft sessions, alongside virtual walks, poetry readings and even a podcast.
Since lockdown, the librarians have made 87 Facebook videos which have been viewed 44,658 times – the highest of its five projects across the UK.
Among the media stars is Tony from Woolwich Library, who provides a variety of Rhymetimes in English, Japanese and Chinese, as well as sing and sign, and is proving a big hit with younger viewers and their parents.
Greenwich Libraries have more than 500 followers on Facebook and more than 3,300 followers on Twitter.
The full online programme can be seen here:
Pictured top is Miriam Storey from Eltham library
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