Gwynedd Council releases details on library reopening proposals

Gwynedd council has revealed more details on the partial reopening of the county’s libraries next month, under a ‘click and collect’ model.

The county’s libraries have been shut since mid-March, leaving just an online service to borrow audio and e-books during the lockdown.

But the service’s recovery plan will soon allow residents to order new items and to return their library books at several points throughout Gwynedd.

The local authority confirmed that six libraries will open from July 1, which was described by the cabinet member as “a step back to normality.”

The new system will see users contacting the library in advance to order books, with the library then informing them when the books will be ready to collect, and arrange a time for doing so.

Libraries providing the service will be Caernarfon, Bangor, Pwllheli, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dolgellau and Tywyn.

But for those unable to visit their library, books can also be ordered for home delivery, which will be available to everyone living in the county with one of the Library’s vans call at their home with those books once they are ready

Cllr Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: “I am delighted that Gwynedd Council will be reintroducing an element of the library service.

“Of course, the service available to Gwynedd residents will be different to what it was before the libraries closed, but the new system is designed to ensure the health and well-being of residents and staff while offering an opportunity for the people of the county to access the wealth of material available from our libraries.

“We know that books offer great comfort to people of all ages, so it is important that we can begin the journey of introducing the service in a new way including the home delivery service for those who are unable to collect from the libraries.

“Obviously, the safety of users and staff is the priority, and our libraries will follow Welsh Government guidelines on how to handle library books, to help people’s safety and well-being.

“Our hope is that the new arrangements will provide a step back to normality for the many people in Gwynedd who value our library service.”

Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd Council’s Libraries Manager, added: “The staff have been working hard to adapt the library space and the home delivery arrangements to begin providing library items to Gwynedd residents once again.

“We have already received many messages from users saying that they miss the Library service, and have read their books and want something new to read. ”

For more details, visit www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/library

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter