Cost of Living Support at Your Local Library
All our libraries across Blaenau Gwent are able to offer a range of ways to help people deal with issues related to cost-of-living pressures:
All our libraries offer a friendly, warm and welcoming space (free of charge) to sit and relax, chat with others and access a range of free resources, with free refreshments.
If you love to read but struggle with costs of buying books, magazines or newspapers we can help. Our libraries have a massive selection of books and audiobooks available to borrow for adults and children – your library membership also gives you access to borrow and download free e-Books, e-Audiobooks, e-Magazines and e-Newspapers.
All our libraries are fines free, so you don’t have to worry about late fees when returning any overdue books.
We provide access to Blaenau Gwent Council services through the Community Hub scheme and a wide range of support from other organisations including Pobl, DWP, Carers groups, Llamau and Citizens’ Advice Bureau
We offer space for people to come in and study, work or socialise – each library has a range of computers that are free to use where they can access the internet, email and Microsoft office. There is also space for people to sit with their own laptop, tablet or mobile devices.
All our libraries have free wi-fi and access to electrical outlets where you can plug in and charge your devices.
We have free activities for adults and children – including arts and crafts, storytelling, author workshops, reminiscence sessions, local history sessions, advice and support on how to research your family tree, plus much more.
Free tablet loan and data sim scheme (eligibility may apply)
Free access to Theory Test Pro for anyone preparing for their driver’s theory test.
Reading Well collections covering a wide range of health and wellbeing topics.
Free Group loans available for community centres, toddler groups, schools and home-schooling parents
Free home delivery service for anyone who is unable to access their local library
Sports Libraries offering the opportunity to borrow a range of free sports and exercise equipment for up to 3 weeks – including sets for badminton, table tennis, bowls, tennis, cricket as well as a range of balls (football, rugby, basketball, netball), foam flyers, resistance bands, kettlebells plus much more.
Lots of other free items to borrow or access, including litter picking sets, little seed library and recycling bags.
For more information on our libraries or services please check out our Libraries website page here
If you would like to become a member of your local library, you can sign up free here
To contact your local library, please call them on:
Abertillery 01495 355646 | Blaina 01495 290312 | Brynmawr 01495 357743 | Cwm 01495 355605 | Ebbw Vale 01495 355055 | Tredegar 01495 357869