Port Talbot Libraries

Taibach Library, which is among nine Neath Port Talbot libraries which the council is off-loading to save lots of cash

• Taibach Library, that is among nine Neath Port Talbot libraries which the council is off-loading to save money

That is certainly maybe not a closed book for a couple of threatened libraries in Neath Port Talbot.

Because of significant spending plan pressures, Neath Port Talbot Council is conserving £238, 143 by off-loading nine of their libraries.

The libraries were initially under threat — but members of the city have stepped forward to save your self them.

From these days Cwmllynfell, Gwaun-cae-Gurwen, Ystalyfera, Seven Sisters and Blaengwynfi libraries will move to community management and operate with volunteer staff from within the neighborhood with book stock and support provided by Neath Port Talbot collection service.

Ystalyfera Library has been relocated to your Development Trust building.

The libraries at Briton Ferry, Resolven, Cymmer Afan and Taibach are working towards overpowering responsibility the structures together with library service in those areas. To assist, more time and assistance has been supplied by the council.

It's expected these libraries will move to community administration from May 1 at latest and until such time, will continue to be operated because of the council but with decreased orifice hours.

It's hoped that Taibach Library should be able to re-open with volunteers.

Councillor John Rogers stated he wished to pay tribute on staff that making the collection. “I would like to thank the employees due to their sterling work, ” he stated. He added that neighborhood have actually rallied around maintain the collection available. “It is extremely good, ” he said.

In Briton Ferry, volunteers are now being trained a few weeks and investment choices are being explored.

In Resolven, councillor Des Davies said the ultimate decision about the collection will not be made. “Things tend to be advancing and I also have always been optimistic that a trust may be setup, ” he stated.

In seven-sisters, the city council has had over the cost of the collection. Work is been carried out in Cymmer to re-open the library and volunteers are now being trained up for Blaengwynfi Library, that is based during the Welfare Hall. Cwmllynfell Library should be closing for a fortnight for volunteer training to take place.

A council spokesman stated it had been using the services of the voluntary sector to “ensure a smooth transfer associated with the solution” and volunteers could have the opportunity to work alongside library staff to gain knowledge.

He stated: “NPT libraries will continue to offer the neighborhood handled libraries and stock should be changed on a regular basis, along with on-going help and instruction by Neath Port Talbot Council staff.

“There have now been no library closures in Neath Port Talbot and all sorts of libraries will continue to operate, albeit at a lower life expectancy degree for a temporary duration.”