Villages lose out in proposals for a more modern service

Last week Conwy County Council announced it was considering closing six libraries as part of its review of the library service. RICHARD EVANS reports on the reaction.

THE proposed loss of six small and rural libraries across Conwy county has quite rightly sparked a debate, and fears that the impact of cuts will hit communities and both young and old.

The council review of the library service, entitled Looking Forward, strives to centralise the service following public consultation through focus groups, internet blogs and customer comment slips.

Libraries being considered for closure include Cerrigydrudion, Deganwy, Llandudno Junction, Llanfairfechan, Llangernyw and Penrhyn Bay.

Council officers argue that by shutting these smaller and rural services it will
be able to invest more in larger libraries by providing a better service with a higher level of staff and up-to-date computer equipment.

Other proposals include more comfortable seating, zoned areas for children, extended opening times and an improved collection of books.

Libraries proposed for further investment include Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llanrwst, Penmaenmawr, Abergele and Kinmel Bay.

But with rural areas already losing many of their post offices, pubs and schools, many feel this is another example of the hearts of smaller communities being ripped out while investment is ploughed into larger towns.

Rona Aldrich is Conwy's head of library, information and culture and claims the changes will allow a more efficient service.

"Public expectations of libraries have changed and the general feedback is that a much more modern role is needed for the service," she said.

"People want more emphasis given to information technology, more zoning of library areas for particular uses, services aimed at particular groups, more staff support, and libraries to be open for longer and at more convenient times."

A decision will not be made until the matter goes before the council's cabinet in July, but in the meantime, many are angry that cuts are even being considered.

Library user Elizabeth Jones, 64, lives in the Conwy Valley and often travels to Conwy and Llanrwst libraries, but is fed-up of rural communities losing out.

"I pay my council tax so I'm not very happy. If the libraries close it means we will
have to go elsewhere," she said. "It makes me angry, libraries are very important for children and youngsters."

But Cllr Joan Vaughan, cabinet member for life-long learning, claims people were no longer satisfied to simply pop in and grab a book.

"Libraries have changed, people expect to go and use IT facilities and do more research. The days of people going in for a book have changed, that service has declined dramatically" she said.

"We still get elderly people going in for a book, but since they've had bus passes they'll go out for the day to Conwy, Llandudno or Rhyl and use the library there. People are telling us a lot of our libraries need to be brought up to scratch, they want more time from staff and more space to read while having a coffee."

Cllr Vaughan also feels any void in rural services could be filled with the use of mobile libraries.

"I want to see improved services, but are we going to get that if we keep open old buildings?" she said.

"People love mobile libraries, they enjoy a chat and getting to know everybody. We need to improve services and if that means more mobile libraries then so be it."

However, Phil McTague, headteacher a Eirias High School in Colwyn Bay doesn't agree and feels children's education could suffer should the proposals go ahead.

"Libraries are a vital tool to all young people, not only those who don't havE access to the internet but to those doing research projects where home conditions aren't conducive to learning," he said.

"Libraries give children an opportunity to research creatively in a more autonomous, creative environment and have a vital community role. They form a vital part of information access."

Clwyd West MP David Jones agrees and has written a letter to express his fears to the council.

"These proposals are extremely alarming and should be rejected," he said. "At a time when concerns are being expressed over children's literacy and when rural services are being generally run down, it makes no sense at all to close libraries."

Meanwhile, a band of councillors are putting together a fight plan. Cllr Chris Cater worries children will no longer have access to a library in Penrhyn Bay and has already received letters from concerned parents who won't let their children travel to Llandudno or Colwyn Bay.

Deganwy councillor Dennis Tew summed up the attitude of those determined to preserve the service across the county: "We want the libraries in Conwy open. We will fight to the bitter end to keep them all open!"

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Exceptional power threat

IN JANUARY, Westminster culture minister David Lammy warned councils that he has the power to take over running their libraries if they go ahead with plans for closures.

Up to 60 libraries have been earmarked for closure this year as local authorities struggle to balance their budgets. At least nine councils are planning to close some of their smallest community libraries, in most cases to save money.

Mr Lammy said he would take advice on the powers available to him under the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act, which allows ministers to take over direct control of libraries in extreme cases if councils are not running an adequate service.

"I grew up in a home where you could count the books on two hands, and many people are not able to rely on books in the home, so libraries are absolutely central," he said.

"The draconian powers that allow me to take over libraries have never been used and I hope it doesn't come to that."


Source: North Wales Weekly News, Thursday 3 May 2007 [web site] [e-mail]

The photographs of Conwy's libraries earmarked for closure accompanying this article has been omitted for coyright reasons.