- 21/11/2016
- Posted by: David Rees MS
- Category: News
Stephen Kinnock MP and David Rees Am have hailed the success of Baglan Library, describing it as a ‘thriving community facility’ and an ‘important asset’.
Mr Kinnock, Mr Rees and local Councillors Carol Clement-Williams and Peter Richards regularly hold advice surgeries at the library and are always impressed with the facilities available and usage of the library by local people.
Mr Kinnock said, ‘Baglan Library is a thriving community facility, used by groups of all ages. The commitment from the local community and local Councillors Carol and Peter, to maintain this provision is second to none.
’It is a real hub of the community offering a range of services to the local residents from book lending and computer access to kids clubs and a meeting place.’
Baglan Councillors Carol Clement-Williams and Peter Richards have been working with the Friends of Baglan Library to raise funds and reduce costs in a bid to secure the long-term future of the library as a Local Authority run facility.
David Rees AM said, ‘This is an important asset that is well used by the local community. Libraries are important local centres meeting both educational and social needs and we must do everything we can to keep these services in Baglan.’
Cllr Carol Clement-Williams said,’ Baglan Library is the thriving hub of our community, it’s not just a place to read books it’s also a place where great friendships are built and thrive. It gives me great pleasure when doing my advice surgeries to watch the children taking such pleasure from the books. Peter and I have and will continue to work with the Librarians and the community to support this precious facility.’
Cllr Peter Richards said,’ Firstly can I state the fact to elevate Baglan Library users concerns,” there has been no decision made to close Baglan Library.
For the past year we have been working closely with UNISON and the Library Service to look at alternative ways of delivering a more cost effective sustainable service for all our Libraries throughout the County Borough whilst trying to help the Councils make the necessary savings towards the Forward Financial Plan.
Can I also state that I personally am very proud to be a Member of our Library and would like to reassure all of the residents in Baglan that should any proposal come forward for closure you can be ensured that we would fight this decision.
We need to increase the membership, usage, and the footfall through the door. This is the best way forward in sustaining its long term future; my plea to the community is” please use our Library.”
In the New Year it is our intention to support A Friends of Baglan Library Group, with members / volunteers within the community. We need to spend time with our librarians and officers from the local Authority to review the way we use our Libraries and deliver our services, and where possible make better use of the provision.’
Unison Neath Port Talbot added:
“Unison Neath Port Talbot have actively campaigned and fought against library closures by working in partnership with the local authority, Councillors, AM’s, MP’s and staff to submit counter proposals in order to find a way forward. We have been successful is achieving higher user figures and successfully demonstrated ways to generate income. We will continue this working partnership with the authority and staff to make certain that these much needed public services remain.”
Baglan Library is currently part of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s Budget 2017/18 consultation. You can have your say at http://neath-porttalbot-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/ce/communications/overarching_questionnaire_on_budget_proposals_201718 or by emailing [email protected]
ENDS