Libraries across Swansea are aiming to deliver as much cheer as possible this Christmas.
With this festive season being different to any other due to Covid-19, library staff are eager to help people right across the city.
They have robust safety measures in place and offer thousands of books for loan. Opening details: www.swansea.gov.uk/swansealibraries.
They also have a broad range of items – including eBooks and eMagazines – that can be enjoyed online.
Throughout this month, the libraries service will post competitions and suggested reading materials on its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels.
They will encourage family activities, run a “book bingo” game, offer children’s colouring sheets for download and run online story telling sessions.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “The pandemic means that many people and families face unique challenges this Christmas – and our libraries are here to help.
“They are sociable, accessible, local, safe and full of fun and inspiration.
“They can be an enormous help to those suffering mental health issues and to those wishing to keep families entertained.
“Also, they don’t break the bank – book loans are free.”
Swansea’s libraries are run in line with government restrictions – and offer services such as book return, book reservations, PC access, printing and photocopying.
They have safety screens, sanitisers and social distancing. Masks are compulsory for those aged over 11. Returned items are quarantined for two weeks to ensure they are virus-free.
Lenders who have not visited in a while and have books to return can do so at any open Swansea Council library. For those who want to keep them for longer, librarians will continue to renew them.
All library customers have a wide range of digital books, magazines and audiobooks which they can download for free from at home. Customers borrowed more than 9,000 e-books and audiobooks in October.
Christmas book bags have been prepared for loan – they include surprises such as festive origami packs.
More info: www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries
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