Library closure plans criticised in Senedd as MS makes Welsh Government plea

Council proposals which could see as many as ten libraries close have been criticised in the Senedd.

Libraries in Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, Oakdale and Pengam could all close as Caerphilly Council looks to plug a multi-million pound gap in its budget.

Under the plans Rhymney, Bargoed, Blackwood, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, and Risca libraries would remain open and be “transformed” into hubs.

The second public consultation on the proposals ended in March, with the council’s cabinet set to discuss the views submitted by residents on May 14.

Plaid Cymru Senedd Member Delyth Jewell has described the potential closures as “short-sighted”.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday May 6, Ms Jewell called for a Welsh Government debate on the importance of libraries to communities.

The South Wales East MS said: “Residents who rely on these libraries are waiting nervously for the results of the council’s consultation.

“The overwhelming majority of responses had pleaded with the council to keep these sites open, because libraries are more than buildings – they are centres of support for the vulnerable, corners of our community and treasure troves for children.

“How short-sighted it would be to shutter those spaces of comfort and wonder.”

Ms Jewell called for support to keep libraries open and said: “Governments have a duty to provide library services. In times of austerity, surely more support must be given to councils to make sure they’re kept open.

“The outcome of this consultation is fast approaching, so can we have an urgent debate to try and save these libraries and keep them open?”

In response, Wales’ social justice secretary Jane Hutt, said: “We know that across Wales… we have seen the way in which libraries can be continued and sustained, perhaps under different ownership in terms of town and community councils or local community groups.

“I’m sure that that will be in the mix of the difficult decisions that will need to be made in terms of the future of those libraries.”

Ms Hutt agreed with Ms Jewell on the importance of libraries and continued: “They’re hubs, and many councils have used our warm hubs funding to support their libraries as a place to be, to get information and support, as well as access, of course, to those all-important book loans.”

The cabinet secretary also pointed to increased local government funding in the Welsh Government’s latest budget, and said: “As a result of the £1.6 billion budget, which, of course, will come through for next year, local government is in a better place.”

‘Unprecedented financial pressure’

Cllr Carol Andrews, who is Caerphilly Council’s cabinet member for education and communities, said: “We very much value our library service, but the unprecedented financial pressures facing us means that we must act now to secure a sustainable library model which is fit for the future.”

Explaining the reasoning behind the council’s plans, Cllr Andrews continued: “We believe the concept of developing fewer, but enhanced town centre library hubs will better meet the changing needs of our communities.

“The success of our pilot community hub model at Rhymney Library demonstrates the benefits that this approach can deliver for local people and the local economy.”

She added: “I would like to thank all those who took the time to engage in the recent consultation as this feedback will help shape the way we deliver this important service in the future.”