Libraries offer much more than books - find out here what the library service can offer you.
Books
Rhondda Cynon Taf library service provides readers with the latest book releases in addition to an extensive range of classic and famous titles. Whatever your taste in books you’ll find something to suit at your local library.
Requests
Reservations can be made, free of charge by our library members for items that are held in stock and for books outside the county borough (N.B. A £2 refundable deposit applies for books obtained from outside the county borough). Reservations can be made by calling into your local library, telephoning any branch library or online using our online catalogue.
To reserve a book online, use our Online Catalogue| to search for what we have and click the ‘Request’ button next to the title you wish to reserve.
To find out the locations, opening hours and telephone numbers of our library go to our Library Locations, Opening Hours| page
DVD collections
DVDs are available direct from the Aberdare, Treorchy and Pontypridd branches. They can also be delivered to any library within the County Borough. Members can simply select the DVD of their choice from a catalogue and it will be sent to their local branch where they can collect it.
As well as the very latest films, classic musicals and thrillers users can borrow DVDs on a wide range of topics such as travel, nature, dance lessons and healthy living.
Music
From Mozart to Motorhead and lots more in between our music collection on compact discs, scores for individual instruments, instrumental tutors, vocal and study scores. A variety of information is held at libraries including magazines and dictionaries of music. Reservations can be made for compact discs that are held in stock for free.
Sound recordings are lent on the understanding that they are used for private, domestic or educational purposes only. Copying of items is not allowed, even for private or domestic use. The library service is unable to lend sound recordings until 3 months after their release date.
Membership
In order to borrow any of the above items you will need to be a member of the library. Just call into any library and ask for a membership application form and fill this in. You will need to provide 1 form of ID, which should include your name and address. Younger people (under 14) will need to provide 1 form of ID showing the family address together with a completed library membership form signed by a parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian signs the form in the presence of a member of staff then the younger person can borrow the full entitlement of 8 items. If the form is not signed in the presence of a member of staff then the young person is joined under the Junior Probationary Category. They are then allowed to borrow a max of 2 books for the first 3 visits. After 3 visits and if all items have been returned, they will be allowed to borrow the full entitlement of 8 items.
Younger people aged 14-16 need to provide 1 form of ID showing name and family address with a completed library membership form signed by a parent or guardian. They are then allowed the full entitlement of 8 items.
Borrowing Items
You may borrow up to 10 books at any one time for 3 weeks. In addition to this you may borrow up to three additional items including audio books, music items or DVDs. Visually impaired members may borrow up to 10 audio books at any one time. The loan period can be extended providing another reader has not requested an item. Please note that renewals for charged items will gain a new charge. Loans may be renewed by either visiting the library or up to three times by telephoning prior to the date stamped for return. If you do not return or renew items by the date stamped on them, you will have to pay an overdue charge. See Fees and Charges for current rates.
Costs
There are no charges for borrowing books, charges will be made for borrowing music recordings,and DVDs. Items that are returned after the return date will also incur an overdue charge. Please see Fees and Charges for current rates.
Lost/Damaged items
Users must pay towards the replacement of lost or damaged items. These are charged on a sliding scale:-
Items under 6 months old - charged full cost of item.
Items between 6 months and 2 years old - Charged two thirds of original cost.
Items over 2 years old - one third of original cost.