Community to run libraries with county council support
Three libraries are to become community supported ventures when they reopen after lockdown.
The Mid Wales libraries in Llanfair Caereinion, Talgarth and Llanwrtyd Wells will be run by volunteers, with input from Powys County Council.
The council says volunteer groups will form the friendly face of the three smallest libraries in Powys, when they are able to safely reopen.
They will be supported by councillors, town and community councils, and other community organisations.
In September, Powys County Council’s cabinet agreed its library service would support community partnership libraries for a period of five years, to give them the stability to become established and also develop.
The council’s library service will provide the books and ICT resources – and the authority says library members should see very little change.
Visitors will still be able to use all of the library services and resources, including requesting books through the online catalogue.
'Pleased'
Councillor Rachel Powell, portfolio holder for young people and culture, said: “We are really excited to support these three communities to help them to sustain their libraries, and develop them to meet local needs.
“We are also very grateful to the individuals and volunteers, community organisations and local members who have been so proactive in wanting to work with us.
"This is an example of true collaboration, co-production and partnership working, and I look forward to seeing these small libraries going from strength to strength through a deep-rooted sense of community ownership.”
Councillor Gareth Jones, county councillor for Llanfair Caereinion, added: “I am extremely grateful to Councillor Rachel Powell and the library team for their communication from the start.
“They listened to the views of myself, the town council and the library volunteers.
"Working together, a bespoke solution has secured the immediate future of Llanfair Caereinion library.
"From the beginning we stated if we were to enter into negotiations with Powys, we did not want to be faced with further cuts in a year or two, so the community of Llanfair is very pleased with the five-year commitment from the authority.”
