Temporary disruption to services between 8th–28th May

PEMBROKESHIRE Libraries will be upgrading to a new library management system this spring. The switch will affect services between Wednesday, 8th May and Tuesday, 28th May, with temporary disruption to the systems that manage library membership, customer accounts, book loans, item details, and access to digital services.

During this time, the current system will be replaced by a temporary platform provided by the new supplier. While core borrowing services will continue, other services such as:

• Book reservations and requests
• Access to the online catalogue
• Use of self-service machines

…will be unavailable until the transition is complete.

Normal service is expected to resume from Wednesday, 28th May, as libraries begin using the new system.

A new all-Wales library system

Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined the all-Wales Public Library Service consortium, supported by grant funding from the Welsh Government. The change in supplier will not only improve the quality of service for customers but also reduce costs.

Benefits of the new system include:

• A more user-friendly online catalogue
• Better account management tools
• Easier access to e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources
• A new events calendar for library users

There are no plans to close any libraries, including the Mobile Library and Library at Home service, during the transition. However, unstaffed access (Open Plus) at Narberth and Neyland libraries will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete.

You can still borrow books during the changeover, but you must bring your library card, as staff will be unable to access your details manually.

Loan extensions and overdue charges

• Loan due dates between 8th May and 14th June will automatically be extended to Monday, 16th June (or your next library open day).
• No overdue fines will be charged during this period.
• Any existing fines or charges will be carried over to the new system.
• Up to two years of your loan history will be transferred. If you wish to download your full loan history, you must do so by Tuesday, 7th May, via the library webpage:
  www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture

Statement from the Council

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “There will be some disruption to library services as we switch over to the new management system. As our library staff learn new skills, there may also be temporary issues with e-resources, so we kindly ask for your patience.

If customers remember to bring their library card, they can still borrow books as normal. From Wednesday, 28th May, we’ll start using the new and improved system.”

Key dates to remember

• Tuesday, 9th April
  Last day to place reservations, stock requests, or inter-library loan requests (including Reading Groups).
• Tuesday, 7th May
  Last day to use self-service machines and Open Plus unstaffed access.
  Final day for courtesy and overdue notices to be sent.
• 8th May – 14th June
  No items will be due back during this period. All loans will be extended to Monday, 16th June (or next working day).
• Wednesday, 28th May
  Expected start of new system roll-out (depending on each library’s opening days).

A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.

This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.

The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.

Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.

County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.

Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

THE FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for Matt Baker, affectionately known as ‘Mr Good Times’ of Haverfordwest.

Matt passed away on March 15 aged 49. He was the much-loved son of Phyllis and stepson to Aad, and son to the late Paul. He was a devoted brother to Reuben, his wife Cath, and Simeon, and a beloved uncle to Aston, Dylan and Axel.

Matt was well known in the local community for his cheerful nature, positive outlook and ability to bring people together. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

His funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am at Pembrokeshire College Theatre. This will be followed by interment at Freystrop Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Matt, in aid of mental health causes, can be made via a donation box at the wake following the interment.

All enquiries should be directed to Roy Folland & Son Funeral Directors on (01437) 763821.