THE FRIENDS OF NARBERTH LIBRARY and Narberth Town Council have worked together to safeguard the future of their local library.

After working closely with Pembrokeshire Council’s Cultural Services department, the library facility in Narberth became a Community Managed library on Saturday (Jul 23).

Faced with the prospect of losing Narberth’s historic, vibrant and much loved library to cut-backs, the Friends of Narberth Library was formed.

Now the group – which has enlisted the help of about 20 volunteers – will undertake a wide range of duties in order to run the library in partnership with the County Council and Narberth Town Council.

The new, three-way partnership means that the facility can continue to provide a popular and well used library service to the people of Narberth.

The Town Council has agreed to take on the lease of the building and its running costs, while the Friends group will be helping to run the library with community volunteers.

The County Council will continue to supply stock, IT and some paid staffing.

“I’m delighted to be a part of the project that secures the future of Narberth’s library” said Pembrokeshire County Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure.

“Libraries are so important to local communities and partnerships such as this, where scarce resources are pooled towards a common aim, are vital to help us to retain valued services in times of austerity.”

Councillor Sue Rees, speaking on behalf of Narberth Town Council, said: “Looking forward, for a long term solution, we decided that it would be better to invest in the building, rather than pay the County Council the extra staffing costs to keep the library open.

“Having saved the swimming pool by taking it over for the community, we knew that the idea would work and could result in a win-win situation for everyone concerned.  It just meant getting everyone to work together, to agree who could provide what.

“We now have a library that no one can close unless the people of the town no longer want it. It will require ongoing support from the community and all concerned. We even have the ability to extend the service if there is a need.

“I am sure that everyone will support this valuable community library long into the future.”

Marc Tierney, Chair of Friends of Narberth Library said: “I’m really proud that we have a strong team of volunteers, many of whom have been part of the fight to save the library.  We know that the community values the library and the service it provides.

“So for us, the idea that Narberth library could close simply wasn’t an option. I’m pleased that the Town Council has been so supportive in helping us to keep the doors open.

“After a year of meetings, discussion and training, we have worked with the County Council to develop a community managed service with our fully trained volunteers ready to help on a Tuesday afternoon and Saturday morning. So do pop in and say hello, and support Narberth library.”