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

This background report is part of the Making a Difference series of reports into public library services’ role supporting individuals and communities during lockdown and their potential beyond this time. It summarises the findings of a UK public poll with 2,196 UK adults aged 18+ that was conducted between 31st July and 2nd August 2020. Research was carried out by Savanta ComRes on behalf of the Carnegie UK Trust. The poll covered:

• Use of the public library service pre-lockdown and during lockdown.
• The level and type of interaction with the public library service during lockdown.
• The impact of engaging with the public library service during lockdown.
• Views on reopening and restarting services.

All findings are broken down by demographic group. Other reports in this series are:

• Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead
• 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