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San Diego Library borrowing plunged 90 percent during pandemic, but bounced back some – The San Diego Union-Tribune

More branches likely to open, expand services soon if COVID-19 trends stay positive

Patrons at the San Diego Central Library partake in the Computers in the Courtyard program in January.
(Jarrod Valliere / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

By David Garrick, March 28, 2021 5 AM PT

SAN DIEGO — Borrowing at San Diego’s city libraries is down more than 50 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic as residents transitioned to a world dominated by curbside checkouts, electronic books and branches where browsing is not allowed.

Circulation plummeted even farther, about 90 percent, last April and May, but it bounced back to roughly half pre-pandemic levels when curbside checkouts began last summer and a dozen library branches partially reopened last fall.

Source: San Diego Library borrowing plunged 90 percent during pandemic, but bounced back some – The San Diego Union-Tribune