Monmouthshire County Council is introducing a new Request & Collect service for library books in response to restrictions posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Customers can browse the library service on-line catalogue and use the My Monmouthshire app to choose their preferred books and reserve a time to collect them. Collections will initially be available from Monmouth and Chepstow Community Hubs.
Staff will quarantine returned books for 72 hours to prevent the spread of coronavirus which means choices may be more limited than usual. Demand is expected to be high and if people’s preferred titles are unavailable the council’s library team will suggest alternative books from the same genre.
For those unwilling or unable to travel, the hubs’ digital services continue to be available. E-books and audiobooks are free for library members via the Borrowbox app while the RB Digital apps offer free downloads for a wide range of magazines.
Speaking about the launch of the service, Monmouthshire’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for community hubs, Councillor Paul Jordan commented:
“Losing yourself in a book is great way of escaping from all the stresses and strains of the present situation. For children, reading is essential for their continuing development and education – and a wonderful way to keep them occupied.
“During lockdown the staff that would usually be running the library service have been redeployed, helping with the Monmouthshire County Council response to COVID-19, by supporting vulnerable people and ensuring prompt payments of grants to local businesses while continuing to provide story-telling, short story competitions and other activities on-line. For many people nothing can replace the enjoyment of reading a physical book and library staff are thrilled that they are once again able to provide a physical book lending service.”
The online Request & Collect booking system opens at noon on Tuesday 23rd June. Collection appointments will be available from Tuesday 30th June on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Chepstow and Tuesdays and Fridays in Monmouth.
Corovavirus pandemic restrictions mean there will be no access to other services usually available from the buildings – for example, computers, photocopying and toilets. Residents with any council-related queries can access the My Monmouthshire app, the council’s chatbot Monty or call the Contact Centre on 01633 644644.
More information about the service is available at: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-libraries/
New customers can register for membership online: https://wales.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/mmou_en
Residents lacking internet access can access the service by ringing 01633 644644.
Recycling bags are accessible from the following locations: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-bag-outlets/