Council leaders upbeat about library ‘vision’ despite proposed closures

The number of visitors to Rhymney Library more than doubled in 2024, the first year it reopened after refitting as a new “hub” for community services.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has proposed sweeping changes to its library services, including potentially closing down 12 locations.

At a cabinet meeting, on Wednesday October 16, members heard those branches could potentially be transferred to community groups interested in running a library.

Cabinet members agreed to open a public consultation period on the plans for its new “strategic vision” for library services.

The council said its proposals are necessary because of “significant financial challenges” at a time of “rapid change and evolving community needs”.

It has proposed retaining five other libraries – in Bargoed, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Risca and Ystrad Mynach – and turning them into hubs following what deputy council leader Jamie Pritchard called the “exponential” success of Rhymney Library, which will also stay open.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Carol Andrews, the cabinet member for communities, said there was “significant pressure on public finances” in Caerphilly and nationwide.

The libraries service, along with other council departments, was tasked in March with “looking at options” to save money – with a pilot scheme at the Rhymney “hub”.

Footfall at Rhymney Library amounted to 11,960 visitors between January and September in 2022, Kathryn Peters, the library review project manager said.

That increased to 25,700 visitors in the same months in 2024, after the revamped library reopened, she added.

Cllr Pritchard called the Rhymney footfall figures “brilliant” and said it would also help boost visitors into the town.

“These people are walking through the town centre or parking nearby,” Ms Peters replied. “[By] basing a range of council services in the hub… people are attracted to the venue and to the town centre as well.”

Cllr Nigel George asked what services were available at the town’s library hub in addition to book-borrowing services.

Ms Peters said Caerphilly Cares, housing benefits help and employment support were among the council-led services – while Gwent Police, the health board and Shelter are some of the other organisations which use the library to meet with the public.

Cllr Andrews asked how officers had decided which other libraries might remain open.

Mr Peters said the five libraries in question are in town centres, have better public transport links, the longest current opening hours, and meet government requirements on travel distances.

The libraries which have their futures up for review by the council are: Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, New Tredegar, Newbridge, Oakdale, and Pengam.

The council’s public consultation on the possible changes to the county borough’s library services will begin on Tuesday October 22.