Newtown bookworms have access to 170,000 titles

Avid Newtown bookworms will be able to choose from 170,000 book titles that have been made available online by Powys County Council.

Online requests can be made from Monday for specific books in the library catalogue, a valuable service that fell by the wayside during the pandemic.

The council has also confirmed that all loans will continue to be renewed automatically as people are unable to return their books and there are no fines.

Councillor Rachel Powell, Portfolio holder for Young People and Culture, said: “We are delighted to be able offer our residents the full choice of reading materials again, so that they can enjoy further collections. I am sure that residents will really appreciate the enjoyment of further reading at this time of year, as the nights draw in.”

Readers can use the virtual library online every day and enjoy free e-books, e-audio downloads, e-magazines and e-comics through the Borrowbox and RBDigital collections.

Anyone who needs help with setting these up can contact the library service on library@powys.gov.uk or 01597 827460.

You can also order a goodie-bag of staff-selected books through the Order & Collect scheme, and either collect them from the library door, or the library service will try to arrange doorstep deliveries where needed. Orders can also be taken on 01597 827460.

All library use in Powys is carefully controlled to ensure safety, and readers are asked to wear face coverings and observe social distancing at all times.