Libraries provide essential services which go far beyond lending books, says a National Assembly for Wales committee.
The Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee found that libraries contribute to many areas of community life, including health and wellbeing, education, and tackling poverty and social exclusion.
They can also bridge the ‘digital divide’ by providing free internet access, something the Committee believes should continue.
Noting an overall growth in visitor numbers to Welsh libraries, the Committee is calling on the Welsh Government and local authorities to do more to promote the wide range of services on offer.
Further recommendations surrounding potential revenue raising opportunities outside of essential services, and co-location, where a number of local authorities’ facilities and services are contained on one site, are also included in the Committee’s report.
“With continuing cuts in public spending, the Committee recognises that many local authorities are looking at either closing facilities, or offering reduced services with volunteer support to save money,” said Christine Chapman AM, Chair of the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee.
“We believe libraries play a crucial role in many communities, contributing to areas including health and wellbeing, education, tackling poverty and social exclusion.
“There are many excellent examples in Wales of how local authorities are using co-location to improve the services they offer, and we believe these are examples to be learned from.
“We also want to see the Welsh Government and local authorities do more to promote these services, as well as examine opportunities to raise revenue to protect these vital facilities.”
Report: Public Libraries in Wales
More information about the inquiry into public libraries in Wales can be found here.