Enjoy e-library resources with Pressreader and RDigital

We would like to encourage the community to enjoy e-library resources for free online with Aura Libraries. Keeping up to date with the latest news across Wales, the UK and the World is in the palm of your hand with Pressreader: an e-newspaper, e-magazine and e-comic provider available via Aura Libraries.

Pressreader delivers an endless stream of top news stories to read, discuss and share. As an Aura library member, you can enjoy full issues of thousands of top newspapers, magazines and comics, just as they appear in print, for free.

There is something for everyone whatever your interest - whether it is current affairs, health and fitness, the latest technology or fashion - Pressreader has thousands of titles for you to choose from. We recommend having a look at the wonderful recipes and articles available in the Good Food magazine which are most definitely mouth-watering!

You can also access full colour, digital copies of your favourite magazines for free, as well as your favourite comics and graphic novels, via RBDigital. All Pressreader and RBDigital resources are available to stream or download to your phone, tablet or PC.

For more information please visit: https://aura.wales/libraries/e-magazines-from-your-library/

If you need any help accessing Pressreader and RBDigital, or other e-services, please give us a call or pop in to your local Aura library.

Digital library lifeline

We were delighted to receive some very special feedback from Flintshire resident Gwyneth Goodwin, and hope her words will inspire others to enjoy the free online library services available to them as an Aura library member. Here is what she had to say...

The Leader:

"Dear Aura Team, my name is Gwyneth Goodwin and I am 76 years of age and suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Over the years, I have had periods of time when pain and mobility problems prevented me from getting to the library.

"I mentioned to one of the librarians at Buckley branch that health issues were sometimes affecting my ability to physically visit the library, she then offered to help me download the online library service. I have to say that this was one of the best things I have ever done in my life because in an instant I had a whole library in my own home and, in particular, access to hundreds of audiobooks.

"Whilst I did regularly use the online services, I still enjoyed my visits to Buckley and Mold libraries. Then came Covid-19 and life in lockdown where I spent almost six months in isolation as a 'shielded' person.

"I am widowed and my close family members live many hours away, so I spent much of that time on my own. I love my books - mostly crime/detective/thriller novels - and cannot possibly imagine just how I would have managed to get through the sometimes negative effects of isolation without the totally wonderful library service Aura provides: without any doubt, it has truly become a lifeline."

Select and Collect service

We are here to help you discover books and show you some of the fantastic new titles we have available in our libraries. Our libraries are open for browsing, computer use (ring to book) and for picking up Select and Collect orders.

Aura Library members can 'Select and Collect' books online, by telephone (01352 703750), email (libraries@aura.wales) or directly from your local library. You can browse our catalogue at www.aura.wales/flintshire-library-catalogue/ and place a hold on items to collect from the library counter. All we will need to know is your library membership number, a contact telephone number and email address, your book requests/preferences, and your preferred collection point.

Loans will be for the usual three week period, however we will automatically renew items if they are not returned after three weeks: no fines will be placed. We do however encourage you to return these items as soon as you can so that they may be re-issued to another borrower.

We would like to reassure the community that we are following Public Health Wales guidance on reducing the risk of cross contamination by placing all books in a 72-hour quarantine on return and prior to distribution. When visiting the library please be aware Covid secure measures apply. Library visitors must adhere to social distancing measures, wear a face covering and make use of the hand sanitization facilities. To keep you and our colleagues safe we are limiting the number of people in the building at any one time and will require you to provide contact details for the Track and Trace system.

More information about our Select and Collect service can be found here: www.aura.wales/select-and-collect-service/

If you are not already a library member, you can join online via the Aura Wales website for free. Pop in to see us and find out more about what your local library can do for you. Alternatively, find us online on social media (facebook: @LlyfrgelloeddAuraLibraries Twitter: @LibFlintshire) or visit our website: www.aura.wales/libraries/

From everyone here at Aura Libraries, stay safe and we hope to hear from you or see you soon! Whilst we may be facing difficult times, remember: we are always united by books!

• Aura is a charitable, not-for-profit, organisation responsible for managing the majority of leisure, libraries and heritage services in Flintshire. Aura is owned by its employees and operates for the benefit of local communities.