E-book borrowing data from UK libraries have been released for the first time, and the data show that "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman and Madeline Miller's "Circe" were among the most borrowed e-books last year while the UK's most borrowed print books of last year were largely thrillers. "The e-book borrowing charts reveal a slightly different reading demographic," said Julia Eccleshare of the Public Lending Right. "The addition of e-books reflects new users coming to public libraries, who might be less likely to get to a library in a working day."

The convenient narrative of the resilient library ignores library staff suffering and dissuades people from stepping up to help, writes Olin College of Engineering library director Callan Bignoli. She cites several recent articles that downplayed or ignored library furloughs and layoffs, and she looks at the danger librarians face in having to reopen early -- and speaking out about their concerns.

After heavy rain hit Midland, Mich., the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library's collection in the lower level of the building was in danger of severe water damage. Staff members, city employees, local residents, the United Way of Midland and the Michigan National Guard worked together to save almost 80,000 items from damage -- without an elevator.

State-run museums and libraries in South Korea reopened May 6 while adhering to social distancing guidelines recommended by the government and requiring the use of protective masks. Book rental will not be allowed at libraries except at the Sejong branch of the National Library of Korea.

Mother New York created a Spotify album, "Missing Sounds of New York," for the New York Public Library that brings the city's noise to listeners during the coronavirus pandemic with tracks such as "Out in Left Field" and "The Not-Quite-Quiet Library." Mother New York's Corinna Falusi says, "The album can hopefully bring New Yorkers back to a place they hold close to their hearts, and foster community during this time of isolation."

FCB Chicago created a "Live from the Library" series on Instagram and Facebook for the Chicago Public Library, which features live children's story readings from prominent Chicagoans, including former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Mayor Lori Lightfoot. "I want to give back and I'm proud to bring together a team to create a virtual program that serves children around the world," says Andres Ordonez, chief creative officer of FCB Chicago and a member of the Chicago Public Library Foundation Board.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, which provides most of the federal financial support for such facilities, is teaming up with the Federal Communications Commission to distribute $50 million that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provided. Applications for the funding are due by June 12 and announcements are scheduled for August.

Polaris, the leading solution for public libraries in North America, is expanding into four new markets. Interested libraries can learn more about the ILS and how to request a short online demo in our press release.

We received numerous ideas and votes in the Crisis Management Challenge, focused on improving how libraries can handle large-scale, long-term closures. Take a look at the winning Sierra and Polaris Idea Lab submissions.

Innovative has created online guides and special offers for Polaris and Sierra users to help you build a plan and prepare for reopening a library. For complete details, read our blog.