The current coronavirus pandemic has temporarily taken away many forms of entertainment, including theatre, cinema, or concerts, and, when it comes to enjoying culture, it has left us with only a reduced number of possibilities. One of them is to read a book. When you decide to do so, you can either buy a new one or visit a library. In Slovakia, libraries were able to reopen as of 27 January, however they had to change their usual way of operation in order to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. Romana Grajcarová was curious about the lives of libraries in times of the pandemic, so she interviewed representatives of three Bratislava public libraries: the University Library, the City Library and the Old Town Library.
Silvia Stasselova
Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
Today almost everyone has at least some experience with the concept of quarantine. The current coronavirus pandemic has introduced this word into our everyday vocabulary and it is now being used quite often, mostly when speaking about someone who has returned from abroad. Nevertheless, have you ever heard of a book quarantine?
Jaroslava Lesayova
Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
As Jaroslava Lesayová from the Bratislava Old Town Library said, the obstacles brought by the pandemic actually helped people to become more creative, learn new skills and find new ways of adapting to the current situation. The PR manager at Bratislava City Library Michaela Kučová shares the same view.
Michaela Kucova
Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
In addition to their online services, the City Library offers one more interesting service for elderly people above 65 as well as for disabled people. These people can get their books delivered by bike delivery right to their homes.
Bike delivery with Julius
Máte problém s prehrávaním? Nahláste nám chybu v prehrávači.
Courier Julius delivering books from Bratislava City Library.
Even though the pandemic has significantly limited the everyday operation of the libraries, the challenges linked to the coronavirus have also helped them to become more innovative and creative. Whether it is using open air reading rooms, organising online events or delivering books by bicycle, Bratislava librarians haven't given up and are doing their best every day to keep the libraries alive.
