Home Library Service’s electric new recruit

Neath Port Talbot Libraries’ Home Library Service has celebrated the New Year with a brand new addition.

The delivery of a new electric vehicle will mean the invaluable service is now even better than it was, delivering to more people than ever before. The Home Library Service is an essential part of Neath Port Talbot Libraries, delivering books and information to residents who have difficulty, or who are unable to visit their local library.

This can be due to a variety of reasons such as long term illness or disability, for people who have recently returned home from hospital and are recovering at home and for carers where finding the time to get to the library is not easy.

The service also plays a vital role in helping with loneliness and isolation and during the pandemic has continued to operate, following strict Covid guidance, helping to support the mental health and well-being of residents in Neath Port Talbot.

The service provides free regular scheduled visits (usually every six weeks) by a trained member of library staff, who will provide a selection of books in all formats (large print, audio books) to your front door. There is a vast range of books available, including the latest best sellers. And if the service does not have the book you want, staff will do their best to get it for you.

The service can also help with accessing a wide range of digital resources online, including e-books, e-audio books and your favourite newspapers and magazines, all available for free. The Home Library Service is also an agent for British Wireless for the Blind and can arrange free loan of audio equipment.

It is free and available to residents of all ages.

The Service can be contacted on 01639 899829 / npt.libhq@npt.gov.uk or by dropping a message on one of our social media channels. Members are also often referred to the service via a relative, social worker or a local councillor.

The Department also provides library services to nursing homes, residential homes and hospitals as well as supporting community libraries in Neath Port Talbot.

Cllr Peter Rees, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education,

Skills and Culture said: “Crucially this new vehicle will be better for the environment, helping to meet the aims of the council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy (DARE) Strategy and the goal of a cleaner, more prosperous and healthier County Borough.”