Blaenau Gwent Library Service starts Call & Collect and Home Delivery
As part of a phased approach to restarting Library Services in Blaenau Gwent a new Call & Collect Service will be available from Abertillery and Ebbw Vale from next week. For anyone unable to collect from these venues, a contactless home delivery option will be available.
All libraries in Blaenau Gwent are managed by the Aneurin Leisure Trust – https://aneurinleisure.org.uk/
From Wednesday, 22nd July customers will be able to pre-arrange to collect books and other library stock from these venues safely and in line with the latest Welsh Government guidance on social distancing. The service will initially be trialled in libraries in Abertillery and Ebbw Vale, with a view to extending to other areas if successful. There will also be a home delivery option for those unable to collect.
The popular Summer Reading Challenge will also launch online later this week. Although a digital approach this year, many families will need access to physical books and this can be done through the new Call and Collect Service. All aspects of the challenge including stickers, folders etc will be digital.
Throughout the lockdown period Blaenau Gwent Libraries have continued with their digital offer and e-resources usage has increased approximately 40% compared to the same period last year, with online library membership increasing by 60% compared to the same period.
Councillor Joanne Collins, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Education says:
“As a Council, together with our partners, we are continuing to ease cautiously out of lockdown and slowly beginning to re-introduce services where it is safe to do so. It is important to stress, however, that services will not immediately return to the way they looked before Covid-19.
Borrowing books, physically or online, is a much more sustainable way to enjoy reading and libraries across the borough are popular with people of all ages. I’m delighted that more people have been taking advantage of the digital offer, but we acknowledge that this is not an option for everyone, and some people just like the feel of a proper book in their hands, so I’m pleased that Call & Collect and home delivery will be an option from next week.
It’s also great news that the Summer Reading Challenge will be going ahead as I know this is extremely popular with families in Blaenau Gwent and a great opportunity to top up those reading skills over the holidays ready for a return to school in September.”
Phill Sykes, Operations Director of Aneurin Leisure Trust said:
"We're working closely with Blaenau Gwent Council to work towards opening up all of our sites in line with the Welsh Government's guidance and the Call & Collect and Delivery services for libraries will enhance our online resources which have been available throughout the pandemic."
Customers will be asked to contact the Library Service to pre-arrange either collection or a contactless doorstep delivery. The service will initially be available between Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm:
• Ebbw Vale - 01495 355055
• Abertillery - 01495 355646
They can also E-mail blaenaugwentlibraries@aneurinlesiure.org.uk