Just the ticket as Heywood Library banks new service

Heywood Library is branching out after Barclays signed up to provide a new banking and customer advice service.

The partnership between Rochdale Borough Council and Barclays follows the recent closure of the bank’s Heywood town centre branch.

The library service means Barclays customers can continue to access in-person financial support, help with day-to-day finances, and support with money management.

In addition, residents can utilise help with loan applications, savings and investment options. There will also be free library ‘tea and teach’ digital events and scam awareness sessions provided for anyone to attend.

The scheme is part of the council’s commitment to widening use of its library buildings such as the successful warm spaces initiative, which helped residents save money on energy bills over the winter months.

Barclays is providing its new cashless banking service every Tuesday and Friday, 9am-5pm, in a room off the library’s main foyer.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “I am very proud of the library services we provide for our residents and this innovative use of Heywood Library is another example of our wider vision of utilising our library services in innovative ways.

“Libraries will always be a place to go and learn, read, borrow books and access our computers to access digital services, but they are also about widening our library offer. When the local Barclays branch closed this was the perfect opportunity to retain a vital service in the town and build on our excellent partnership with local businesses.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for libraries, said: “Our libraries are a vital community resource, enabling residents to access a range of services on their doorstep. The service Barclays is providing is a lifeline for many people, particularly elderly, vulnerable and digitally excluded residents. Our services are developing all the time, so it is great to team up with Barclays and bank an exciting new chapter in our library offer.”

Councillor Angela Brown, chair of Heywood Township Committee, said: “This partnership maintains this vital banking service in Heywood and utilises our local library in a new and innovative way. Many residents want to access banking help, advice and support in person, so it is a timely and welcome boost for our town.”

Megan Pearce, Barclays’ customer care leader, said:  “We are delighted to still be part of the Heywood community supporting customers and non-customers with a pop-up cashless banking site for face to face appointments for help and advice. The services that we offer include assistance with everyday finances and money management, free digital skills workshops and fraud and scams awareness events for the community. Customers can drop in or make appointments online and we’re looking forward to welcoming both existing and new customers into the new service at Heywood Library.”

More information on council library services can be found at www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries