Books chosen just for you – new library service

Do you love reading but need a few ideas?

A brand-new scheme, the Order & Collect service at West Berkshire Libraries, is quickly proving very popular for customers of all ages, who are discovering books and reading in a new way during lockdown.

If you’re not sure which books you would like to read, or are looking for a bit of inspiration, library staff can pick out up to five books to suit your preferences. The knowledgeable library staff may even be able introduce you to a new author or genre that might be of interest. Up to five books are carefully chosen from your current interests and are left ready for you to collect in a brown paper bag. This is a free service.

Jacquie Cooper, Children and Communities Librarian, says:

This is an innovative new scheme which is very popular. We are happy to help readers find new books during lockdown, using the skills of our knowledgeable and experienced staff. We all can benefit from reading at this time, whether it’s from our wide range of fiction,  homework for school children, non-fiction, or even audio-books. 

Positive feedback from customers has been coming in. Here’s one social media review;

Just put another order in with @WBerksLibraries. Such a great service: to be able to pick up a mystery brown paper bag of books, picked just for you, using the order and collect service. If you haven’t done it yet I thoroughly recommend it.

How does it work?
To try the service, just visit the West Berkshire Library catalogue online to place your order: https://westberks.spydus.co.uk. Or you can telephone 01635 519813 (Newbury), or contact your local library to let staff know what sort of books you enjoy.  When the books are ready for collection, you can pick them up from any West Berkshire library of your choice, including the Mobile Library.

Do check library opening times before making a trip to collect the books you have ordered. All current library opening hours, and the Mobile Library timetable, can be found on the website: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries

Customers can return books at any time through the bookdrops/letterboxes outside each library. If you can’t return your books at the moment, a West Berkshire Libraries fines amnesty is in place until the end of March 2021. This will be regularly reviewed.

This “mystery books” bag process is in addition to people being able to order specific books for collection. You can also join West Berkshire Libraries online, for free, and can also gain free instant access to the e-library. To find out more, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/elibrary.

Here at Kennet Radio, we’ve placed an order already through the online portal, and are looking forward to seeing what books come our way.