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Q1. What can I find at my local Library?
A1. Something for everyone – a service to suit all ages, backgrounds and interests.
All your book and information needs using a wide selection of books and audio books on tape and CD.
Books, articles, newspapers, reports, theses, census information, trade directories, maps, photographs, regular displays at Dowlais Library.
Friendly members of staff who can help you to find what you need
Computers to help you to search the library collections and the Internet, check e-mails, to be creative, improve your job prospects or study. We have general computers and special areas for creative work –
Write a book!
Design a website!
Transform your pictures!
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Q2. Is there anything special for children?
A2. Yes! We have stock suitable for all ages – starting with babies! We are agents for a national Bookstart programme encouraging reading from birth. We work on a lot of projects to support reading.
We can help with schoolwork and hobbies –anything that children like to read.
We also have a selection of CD-ROMs to use in the library and some to borrow.
We soon plan to lend a selection of educational computer games!
There are also holiday activities – especially Summer reading schemes and activities, but also competitions and fun!
Q3. I have a visual impairment – what can the library offer me?
A3. Many books in large print and a wide selection of books on tape or compact disk.
Music CDs in the CD Club (a subscription service).
Special print magnifiers.
Special equipment and software to allow easier use of library computers
Braille labels on audio-books and shelves
Clear signs and marking.
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Q4. I have a hearing impairment – what can the library offer me?
A4.Books, newspapers, information, computers, exhibitions, etc
Hearing loops at every service counter.
Q5. I can’t leave the house easily – is there anything for me?
A5. We deliver books and other material direct to your home and plan to extend that service with the help of volunteers.
We will be providing access to collections from your home computer and providing other information of interest on our website.
Q6. I am interested in Merthyr Tydfil – what have you got?
A6. Lots and lots of things – more than anywhere else in the world.
Books, articles, newspapers, reports, theses, census information, trade directories, maps, photographs, regular displays at Dowlais Library.
Specialist staff to help you.
Contacts for things we don’t have.
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Q7. I’m not interested in reading books; what can the library offer me?
A7. We can help you with information – from buying a car to finding a job
We have a comprehensive computer service provided as part of the national “People’s Network” and link with trainers offering classes if you want to learn.
Local history displays and information, local newspapers from 1832, local photographs and maps.
Help with researching your family history.
You may not be interest in reading novels – but what about information for your hobbies or help in valuing coins or possessions?
If you like music, we have music scores and music tutors to help you teach yourself to play most instruments.
The music score collection ranges from Bach to White Stripes.
The Internet gives you free access to thousands of free online courses.
Q8. How can I join?
A8. You don’t have to join to enjoy many library services, but the library card brings many benefits
Membership is free if you live or work locally. You can join online (library.services@merthyr.gov.uk for details) or call at any library and join on the spot. All you need is to prove who you are.
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Q9. Where is my nearest library and when does it open?
Q9. There are three static libraries and two mobile libraries serving all parts of the County Borough
Central Library: A beautiful Grade II listed building in the town centre.
The Central, or Carnegie, Library acts both as a local library for Merthyr Tydfil itself and the base for specialised services like local history and the Special Needs Service. It is also the headquarters for the whole library service and holds the widest range of stock.
Dowlais Library: The oldest surviving library building with a magnificent ceiling and features.
As well as providing a branch library for the local community, Dowlais has the John A. Owen Exhibition Room, used for temporary displays, lectures and special activities, a computer training suite and special collection of Welsh and Anglo-Welsh material.
Treharris Library: At the heart of Treharris, the library clock acts as the official War Memorial for the village and was recently used as the backdrop for a BBC television programme.
Treharris acts mainly as the local library for the area, but we are developing the basement area as an IT training area in partnership with the Community Education Service.
Mobile Libraries
Takes the library service to every part of the County Borough - a street near you!
See the opening hours page for details
Q10. What if I join and can’t find books that I like?
A10. Tell us. If a book exists we will almost certainly be able to get it for you.
We have a suggestion system and if something is out-of-print or very expensive we can still often get it from another library (although there will be a small charge if we do)
We have many ways to help you to find out more about different books and help you to try something new.
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Q11. How many books can I borrow?
A11. At the moment up to 10 books and 5 other items, the ceiling of 10 is soon likely to rise to 15
Q12. How long can I keep something on loan?
Q12. The normal loan period is 3 weeks (that can vary and be longer on some mobile libraries routes).
You can normally extend the initial loan period – if you are a student or going away.
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Q13. Can I renew items on loan?
A13. Yes. You can usually renew loans up to three times, or to a fixed maximum time, but that can depend on whether someone else needs what you have borrowed. If they do, you will have to bring it back earlier.
If you still need the book or tape, and tell us, we will consider getting extra copies – especially it is from the more "popular" stock.
Q14. Do you have computers?
A14. We have 80 public computers in the three main library buildings. Some of them are reserved for special use, but there one will normally be available to you, although there may be a short wait during very busy times.
You have to register, but computer and Internet use is FREE. We only charge for prints and blank disks.
We have Project Rooms at each library with special equipment and software to allow creativity and learning.
We have special facilities for users with a very wide range of disabilities
Q15. Can you train me to use a computer?
A15. Library staff will help you as much as possible, but we can't train you or spend a lot of time with you because we need to provide a service to all our users.
You can join a range of classes in Dowlais and Treharris Libraries
We do provide many books and disks to help you learn at your own pace.
The Internet provides a lot of free online classes that you can join and we can help you to find those. |