Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead

This report into UK public library services explores their role supporting individuals and communities during lockdown and the barriers they faced during this time. It also explores their role in supporting the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what it would take to unleash the full potential of what public library services have to offer us all. The report identifies a number of key messages and action areas for local and national governments, sector support bodies and the sector itself. The report draws on public polling of 2,196 UK adults carried out by Savanta ComRes on behalf of the Carnegie UK Trust, 1,196 responses to a public library staff survey and depth interviews with 22 Heads of Library Services. Other reports in this series are:

• Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead - Public Poll Background Report

• Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead - Staff Survey Background Report

• Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead - Heads of Service Interviews Background Report