Cheshire East Council is launching a new order and collect service today to encourage people to continue using library services in Sandbach and other towns during lockdown.

With lockdown measures meaning that avid readers are unable to access many services in the usual manner, the council's libraries new service will enable residents to continue enjoying the array of books at 15 of Cheshire East's libraries, including Congleton's on Market Street.

While the authority's digital services are also available to access reading and information, the new Covid-safe order and collect service provides an alternative for those who prefer a physical book to maintain their positive mental health and wellbeing.

To use the order and collect service, simply;

- call or email your local library and say which subject you are interested in

- provide a library card number and contact details

- give a brief description of the books, providing authors and genres if they know them

- arrange a suitable collection time with the librarian

Residents can ask for eight titles upon each request and can use the service as many times as they want.

The order and collect service is available for adults and children's books, so parents and carers can receive books on behalf of children and young people as well.

Collections can also be made on behalf of residents, who may be less comfortable leaving their homes or who may be self-isolating.

Cllr Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: "We are all adapting to different ways of living our lives during lockdown, so it's a really positive thing to be able to adapt our services accordingly in order that our residents don't miss out.

"I quite like the idea of our experienced librarians using their judgement to surprise our residents with choices.

"It's a little bit like if you make a purchase on Amazon and it says, 'if you liked this then you might also like these similar titles'.

"The new order and collect service enables residents to connect with their local library in a Covid-safe and secure way and this, of course, is the most important aspect of what we are doing in launching this new service."

The well-used online services will be continuing during lockdown.

E-books, e-audio and e-magazines are still there for everyone and can be accessed here.