Due to the on-going progressive steps being made in Rhondda Cynon Taf, three of the Council’s libraries have now reverted back to their original full-time opening hours, with other branches aiming to do so very soon.
From Monday, May 17, Aberdare, Treorchy and Pontypridd libraries reverted back to their original opening hours as part of the Council’s phased approach to resuming services following the COVID-19 global pandemic. More branches will resume their pre-Covid-19 opening hours in June, if circumstances allow.
However, the Council is continuing its popular ‘Order and Collect’ service, which was introduced last year, in line with Welsh Government guidance following positive feedback from library users.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Council Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Wellbeing and Cultural Services, said:
“I am delighted to see three of our library buildings re-open to the public at their normal operating hours once more.
“This is due to the amazing work of so many people who have helped in the fight against COVID-19, none more so than the public who have been working with us and the Welsh Government to help contain this virus.
“It is also great to have such positive feedback from our library users who have asked us to continue with our ‘Order and Collect’ service, which has proved to be very popular within all of our communities this past year.
The return to pre-COVID-19 opening hours at Treorchy, Aberdare and Pontypridd libraries is a huge milestone for us all as we slowly see further restrictions being eased in Wales, which is testament to the great work and commitment shown by all of our residents in achieving this.
“I’d also like to add my thanks to all of the Libraries service staff who have assisted in the fight against COVID-19 and also for their efforts now in working hard to ensure we can provide a safe service to our residents.
“The re-opening of Treorchy, Aberdare and Pontypridd libraries is a huge milestone for us all as we slowly come out of the pandemic in Wales, which is testament to the great work and commitment shown by all of our staff in achieving this.”
Last year, all Rhondda Cynon Taf libraries were closed to protect staff and residents, with Libraries service staff redeployed to support frontline key service areas within the Council as the Local Authority responded to the national emergency.
But due to the support of residents and businesses throughout the County Borough, along with the excellent progress of the vaccination programme, services are now beginning to return, in line with the Welsh Government guidelines and restrictions.
As a result, the libraries at Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treorchy have now increased the hours they are open to the public, with limited numbers permitted to browse the books at any one time. Current opening hours at Aberdare, Treorchy and Pontypridd libraries are as follows:
Monday (9am to 6pm); Tuesday (9am to 7pm); Wednesday (9am to 6pm); Thursday (9am to 6pm); Friday (9am to 5pm); Saturday (9am to 1pm).
When visiting the three libraries, please wear a face covering at all times in side the premises and follow the signage that is in place. Please respect other people at all times and maintain the two-metre rule. Hand sanitiser is provided at all locations and protective screens are used for the safety of both library users and staff.
Due to public demand, the Council’s ‘Order and Collect’ service will also continue at all library branches, with users simply selecting books of their choice online, or asking library staff to choose a selection based on personal interests and preferred genres.
Staff will then arrange an allocated time slot when the books can be collected from the library of choice. 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
Posted on 20/05/2021