Posted on: Tuesday 2 June 2020
Torfaen residents who enjoy reading can ‘Request and Collect’ books from Cwmbran library from Thursday (4th June).
For residents who are unable to get to Cwmbran library (for various reasons) there will be a delivery service available.
Residents can still browse the online library catalogue to see what titles are available, but can only request books by telephone or e-mail.
Library staff will choose your books for you and provide you with a date and time slot for when you can visit the library to collect your items. Staff will do their best to meet your requirements, but please be aware that many of the most popular titles may still be on loan because of the current lockdown situation. Delays from suppliers may also mean that some new book releases are also currently unavailable.
We are following Public Health Wales guidance on reducing the risk of cross contamination by placing all books in a 72 hour quarantine prior to distribution.
When visiting the library please adhere to social distancing, and only turn up when you have a time slot. To reduce contact, your books will be ready and waiting for you on the ground floor of the library. Don’t forget to bring a bag to take your books home in.
Councillor Joanne Gauden,executive member for economy, skills and regeneration, said: “The new ‘Request and Collect’ service is great news for book lovers across the borough, and I would like to thank all staff who have been working hard in the background getting this ready for Thursday.
“We would love this service to be available at all three of our libraries, but unfortunately we don’t currently have the resources to do so. Many of our library staff have been redeployed to other teams in the council to ensure critical services continue to operate. We have staff who are assisting the waste and recycling team, and others who will be working in the new track and trace team.
“As Cwmbran Library operates as the strategic library, this will open first. We realise that this means that some residents in the North of the borough, those who may have physical/mobility issues, or those who are shielding, may miss out on using this service. This is why we will be working with volunteers to ensure these people get book deliveries. If you are able to visit the library please do so, and leave the deliveries for those who really need them.
“Reading is great for mental health and well-being, so to become the first local authority in Gwent to offer this service is fantastic.”
Books can be requested from Thursday by phoning 01633 647676 or by emailing Cwmbran.library@torfaen.gov.uk. When contacting the library to request items please provide the following information:
- your library card number and telephone number
- your book requests/preferences. This could be a selection of your favourite authors/genres or a few specific book titles
Join the library service today by visiting https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Libraries/Libraries-howtojoin/How-do-I-join.aspx