Powys County Council’s Library Service has introduced a borrower’s category to help carers across Powys. Carers will be able to borrow up to 20 books at a time for themselves and the person that they care for. It is recognised that it is often difficult for carers to get to the library so there will be no fines on these books if they are late back. Powys Library Service recognise the immense value of carers in our communities and it is very pleasing to be able to offer something in return by removing barriers to the use of the vast resources in our libraries.

This library card will enable the loan of library materials in a wide range of formats, to support the enjoyment, literacy, mental wellbeing, information and learning needs of both the person being cared for, and the carer(s) themselves. No fines will apply to books borrowed on a carers’ card, meaning that no-one need be disadvantaged through poverty.

The library service has a wide range of self-help, information books and leaflets about many conditions, as well as mood boosting fiction titles; it has been proven that reading for pleasure for as little as six minutes a day has a dramatic effect on reducing stress levels.

The library also has a host of online services which may be a help to carers who find it difficult to get out and about; library books can be renewed online, and reservations placed for titles to be delivered to the Powys library of choice. There is a range of e-books and e-audio downloads for use from home, as well as links to educational resources for studying.

Carers who would like to obtain this service should ask for details in their local library.