Libraries closure plan is investigated by Assembly [Edition 2]

ASSEMBLY chiefs are stepping in to the battle over plannedclosures at three libraries in the Gwendraeth Valley.

Pontyberem, Pontyates and Tumble libraries are under consultationby Carmarthenshire Council to close in a bid to save money.

An Assembly spokesman confirmed they would be investigating fourkey matters: What consultation process was undertaken by theauthority?; what is their rationale behind the intended closures?;how do these intended closures fit in with their Library Strategyand align with the authority's overarching policies and strategies.

This includes their integrated Community Strategy and how theauthority anticipates the library service would meet therequirements of the Welsh Public Library Standards should theyproceed with the intended closures.

Assembly officials are also planning to visit each library duringApril.

The libraries had been due to close at the end of March, but thecouncil agreed to keep them open for public consultation.

Pontyberem has now set up a group called the Pontyberem LibraryMonitoring Association.

Keith Evans who is leading the campaign, said: "We have alsoagreed to set up a regular pre-school children's story timeinitially in Welsh, then in English.

"This is the biggest cultural threat to printed Welsh in Wales asthe Gwendraeth libraries facing the axe serve the largest Welshreading public outside of Gwynedd.

"The loss of internet access for those in the valley seeking workis another devastating blow," he added.

Head of business and specialist services Elin Cullen said: "Weare currently working up a number of models, one of which is aboutdeveloping a Service Level Agreement with community councils inorder for volunteers to work in partnership with us to providefuture library services.

"Consultation was undertaken and it was evident that the closureof the four branch libraries would not make any difference to thelibrary service delivering the vision and the five strategicoutcomes of our Integrated Community Strategy.

"I am hopeful that the significant improvements we have deliveredthroughout the year will increase the number of Welsh LibraryStandards that we will achieve for 2010-11, and I am very muchlooking forward to the outcomes of the 2010-11 exercise."