Libraries reopen in Bridgend County Borough

Libraries in Bridgend County Borough have reopened their doors after it was announced that Wales is moving out of Covid-19 alert level four.

Awen Cultural Trust, which runs libraries on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council, has begun to reopen facilities with browsing for a restricted number of users, ICT access and some bookable study spaces available.

The libraries in Aberkenfig, Betws, Maesteg, Pencoed, Pyle and Sarn have reopened with safety measures in place, including social distancing, hand hygiene measures, regular cleaning of surfaces and the quarantining of stock. Residents visiting libraries must wear face coverings unless they are exempt.

Porthcawl library remains closed as refurbishment works are being carried out to improve the layout and allow more visitors to safely use facilities.

The reopening of the library run by Awen at the Bridgend Life Centre, and the libraries at the Garw and Ogmore Life Centres, which are run by Halo, will be considered when the Covid-19 restrictions around leisure centres are lifted.

In the county borough’s larger libraries, self-service machines have been installed and new technology allows them to be used in conjunction with mobile phones to create a totally contact-free visit.

The Book and Collect and Books on Wheels services continue to operate for those who are not ready to browse or require books to be delivered to their homes.

For more information, including opening times, visit the Awen Libraries website.