RCT Libraries Launch Order And Collect Service

RCT Council’s Order and Collect service at all of its libraries will restart on Monday, November 16. 

Other services such as access to PC’s, sale of trade waste bags and photocopying will not be available at this time. We look forward to welcoming everyone safely, adhering to all Welsh Government guidelines

Book lovers from across the County Borough will once again be able to select and reserve up to five books via the Council’s online catalogue and will them be able to collect them from their nearest library branch.

The Council’s Library Service initially launched its‘Order and Collect’ service for all library customers in June as part of the new Covid-19 restrictions that were introduced across Wales. Around 600 books a week were being collected by customers.

Sadly the service was temporarily stopped during the Welsh Government ‘firebreak’ restrictions, but is now set to resume safely.

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.

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.

The Council‘s Library Service is also re-opening 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

Please note that services such as access to PCs, the sale of trade waste bags and photocopying will not be available at this time.

Councillor Rhys Lewis, Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Wellbeing and Cultural Services, said: “As the Welsh Government national restrictions changed, as of Monday, November 9, the Council is adapting its own service changes to continue to support its residents and businesses.

“Just like many of the Council’s service areas this year, library services across our County Borough have been disrupted due to the global Covid-19 coronavirus emergency.

“The Order and Collect service we launched earlier this year has already  been a great success, and I am delighted that the service is resuming on Monday, November 16.

“Earlier this year our libraries staff were redeployed to support key service areas within the Council as the Local Authority responded to the national emergency. I would personally like to thank all of our staff for all they have done, and continue to do.

“We are now in a position to once again resume the popular Order and Collect service, which I am sure will once again be welcome news to many people.

“As always, the safety of our staff and the public is our paramount consideration and, while our library buildings remain closed, 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.”