Three county libraries handed over to community groups by Powys Council

The libraries in Llanfair Caereinion, Talgarth and Llanwrtyd Wells are to become community-run resources.

Volunteer groups will operate the libraries – the three smallest in Powys – when they are able to safely re-open the buildings under Welsh Government guidance.

In September 2020, Powys County Council’s cabinet agreed that the council’s library service will support community partnership libraries for five years, to help them become established.

The council’s library service will provide the books and ICT resources, and library members should see very little change; they will still be able to use all of the library services and resources, including requesting books on the online catalogue.

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 Cllr 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 that if we were to enter into negotiations with Powys, we wanted a long-term commitment and 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.”