All RCT Libraries Set To Reopen This Week
The four remaining libraries across Rhondda Cynon Taf are set to reopen on Thursday (August 20) offering the new and popular ‘Order and Collect’ service.
Book lovers from across the County Borough will be able to select and reserve up to five books via the Council’s online catalogue or by telephoning:
- Abercynon Library – 01443 741926
- Church Village (Garth Olwg) Library – 01443 570088
- Llantrisant Library – 01443 237842
- Tonypandy Library – 01443 432251
The Council already successfully operates its ‘Order and Collect’ service at the following branches:
- Ferndale Library – 01443 570021
- Hirwaun Library – 01685 811144
- Pontyclun Library – 01443 237843
- Mountain Ash Library - 01443 570016
- Rhydyfelin Library – 01443 570009
- Porth Library – 01443 562227
- Pontypridd Library (Llys Cadwyn) – 01443 562211
- Treorchy Library – 01443 773204
- Aberdare Library – 01685 880050
Simply select the books of your choice, or ask for the librarian to choose a selection based upon your interests and preferred genres. Library staff will then arrange an allocated time slot when the books can be collected from one of your preferred locations above.
All books are prepared by Council staff and will be quarantined for up to 72 hours before being issued to the public. Books will be loaned for the usual three-week period and will need to be returned to the same location as they were collected from.
Online Library Catalogue – https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/Libraries/Searchthelibrarycatalogue.aspx
The Council‘s Library Service has also re-opened a limited local history service, with enquiries being taken via email or telephone. To contact this service, call 01443 778956 or email Library.Reference@rctcbc.gov.uk
The Library Services ‘At Home’ delivery service has also been re-introduced, with books being delivered by staff to the doors of elderly and vulnerable clients. In the interest of public health and safety, the Council’s mobile library service remains suspended for the time being.
Access the Council’s Library Service from the comfort of your own home:https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/Libraries/Searchthelibrarycatalogue.aspx
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Wellbeing and Cultural Services, said:
“With effect from Thursday, August 20, all 13 of our library branches across Rhondda Cynon Taf will be open and offering the new ‘Order and Collect’ service, which has already proved to be very popular within our communities.
“Opening our final four library branches is a major milestone for our Local Authority and is testament to the great work and commitment shown by all of our staff in achieving this.
“Just like many of the Council’s other service areas, our library services were severely disrupted at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with all branches closed in the interest of public safety.
“Our libraries staff were redeployed to support key service areas within the Council as the Local Authority responded to the national emergency, however, as positive progress continues to be made in the fight against the virus, the Council is now in a position to reopen the final four of its library branches to offer the new Order and Collect service.
“As always, the safety of our staff and the public is our paramount consideration, and accordingly, admittance to a library building is limited to the collection of pre-ordered books and materials. In addition, the Council’s Library Service continues to make available a wide selection of resources which residents can access from home.
“These include downloadable books and audio, photograph archives, driving theory content and more than 300 magazines and online packs to help learn a new language. These are all excellent resources which allow residents to continue using our library service at this difficult and unprecedented time.”
David Griffiths, of Porth, a long-time member of RCT Libraries, said: “I have been so impressed with the Council’s Library Service – they are usually excellent anyway, and have kept up the high standard during lockdown.
“I even received a call from my local librarian informing me of the new ‘Order and Collect’ service and have since received two batches of excellent books, hand-picked by the staff.
“They often ring to let me know when new books are in and are always so friendly and helpful. I have always found that my local library branch is more than a library facility.
“The staff there do so much more than supply books. They give advice to borrowers, are always there to listen, to chat and offer friendship. Our communities cannot do without this wonderful service and I look forward to it returning to its full working capacity as soon as it is safe to do so.”