Caerphilly County Borough’s libraries have met or exceeded two thirds of Welsh Government Public Library Standards for the second consecutive year.
There are nine Welsh Government Public Library Standards and Caerphilly’s library service has met or exceeded six of them. These cover opening hours, disabled access and requests for books.
In a library services assessment, the local authority has been recognised for the strong emphasis on collaborative working, demonstrated in the Hanbury Chapel, Risca Palace and Abercarn Library buildings which have successfully integrated additional services alongside library facilities.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has said the remaining three standards have been partially met and are currently being worked towards.
Other standards still to be met include making computer services available for all.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “It is pleasing to see that the council is being recognised for the efforts we have made to ensure library services and facilities are remaining open, where in other areas they are being removed. We will continue to invest time and money so that all residents of the county borough can access the fantastic facilities we offer.”
The libraries in our borough offer an excellent service and staff are willing to go that mile further when helping the public. Today I picked up a book I had reserved only a week or so ago. Nothing special about that people might say but I was impressed. This book had been published in 1933 and, so far as I know, is out of print. The library staff must have made an effort to get this book for me.
Libraries give all of us access to massive amounts of knowledge and hours of reading pleasure. A library is a sign of civilisation and I cannot fathom why some local authorities cannot see this and close their libraries. I am very glad, and count myself fortunate, to live in a more enlightened borough.