Library visitors should check out the new opening hours of libraries in Torfaen before making their next visit. Torfaen Council has reduced the hours to manage staff shortages while a review of the library service is carried out.
Pontypool Library will be closed on Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons, and Pontypool, Cwmbran and Blaenavon libraries will close early on Saturdays.
Residents can still use the Request and Collect service and elderly or vulnerable people can sign up for the Libraries@Home delivery service
Councillor Joanne Gauden, executive member for skills, economy and regeneration, said: “We want to ensure that our libraries service is well-placed to meet the changing needs of our residents. To do this, we need to pause and reflect on how the pandemic has changed customer use and habits. Our libraries have a lot more to offer beyond our book collections. It makes sense that the hours are reduced during the quieter times, but we still want to make sure that there is ample opportunity for people to visit our libraries.”
The temporary reduction in opening hours is due to be reviewed in the next financial year.
The new Saturday opening hours:
Pontypool – 9am – 1pm
Cwmbran – 8:45am – 1pm
Blaenavon – 10am – 2pm
The new weekday opening hours:
Pontypool
Monday – Closed as usual
Tuesday – 2pm-7pm
Wednesday – 9am – 5pm
Thursday – 9am – 1pm
Friday – 9am – 5pm
Cwmbran
Monday – 9am – 5.30pm
Tuesday – 9am – 5.30pm
Wednesday – Closed as usual
Thursday – 8.45am – 7pm
Friday – 8.45am – 6pm
Blaenavon
Monday – Closed as usual
Tuesday – 10am – 5pm
Wednesday – 10am – 5pm
Thursday – 10am – 5pm
Friday – 10am – 5pm
Join the library
It’s free to join the library – take proof of your name and address to any library, or join online.
For information about the Request and Collect and Libraries@Home services, call Cwmbran Library on 01633 647676.
Follow the library service on Facebook for the latest update and activities.