To encourage reading and learning during this COVID-19 period, as well as supporting families who are staying home, the National Library Board has added even more digital resources and started new initiatives such as the extension of the loan period at local libraries and archives.
NLB Loan Period Extended to 6 weeks
If you’re worried about being fined for returning your library book late, NLB is extending the loan period for all physical items from three weeks to six weeks. This will apply for all loans made between the period from 1 April to 30 June 2020.
If the library material is not reserved by others, patrons can renew it for another 42 days (six weeks) for free.
Shortened Duration for Reservation Lockers
Starting from April 2020, patrons will need to pick up their books from the reservation lockers within five days instead of seven. NLB explains that this was done to enable more patrons to make use of the reservation lockers due to an increase in demand. By shortening the duration, they are now able to free up lockers faster to cater to more reservations.
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New Online Learning Packages and Content
In addition, two learning packages are being released on the NLB mobile app. Each learning package comprise a mix of books, eBooks, articles and bite-sized videos and podcasts.
The first one, following the theme of virus breakouts and pandemics in the past 100 years, was released on 30 March. Each package consists of eight parts. The content for each part will be released every Monday and Thursday, over a period of four weeks.
The next package will be focused on the theme of mental wellness and cover topics such as mindfulness, dealing with uncertainties, working from home effectively, coping with isolation and new hobbies will be part of this package.
The learning packages can be accessed here.
New National Library Board Blog
If you’re looking for an additional platform to make up for the heavier news that is around us, NLB has also launched their new blogsite where they intend to curate lighthearted content based on various themes.
The first post focused on arts with other topics lined up relating to food and others. There will also be an upcoming program, A Librarian’s World, which is a collection of exclusive videos highlighting rare materials of historical significance in the National Library’s collection and virtual gallery.
