Three libraries saved but two will close

TWO ANGLESEY libraries are to shut, but others have been saved thanks to community support.

The local authority has confirmed that agreements have been secured that mean the libraries at Beaumaris, Cemaes and Rhosneigr will stay open, despite once being under threat of closure.

However, due to no suitable groups coming forward, the libraries in Moelfre and Newborough will both shut on June 29.

Anglesey’s Library Service has reached an agreement with Canolfan Beaumaris, and Llanfaelog Community Council to ensure that local library services continue, having secured long-term leases on the buildings that will also see the councils take over their running costs.

Anglesey Council will continue to provide staff for 10-12 hours a week, with the buildings also available for other community or business uses.

In a separate deal, the Friends of Cemaes Library community group has also secured funding to keep the village library open for another 12 months.

Last November, the council’s scrutiny committee recommended the closure of the libraries to save around £100,000.

Holyhead and Llangefni will now be full time “area libraries”, staffed by the county council for approximately 40 hours a week. Amlwch, Benllech and Menai Bridge libraries will open 20 hours a week.

Education and libraries portfolio holder Cllr Meirion Jones said: “The County Council will still provide an efficient statutory library service, but significant financial pressures meant we could no longer afford to run the library service as it was.

“Anglesey has seen a change in the way people use local libraries, with an overall decline in visits and items issued, possibly due to technological advances. Our public consultation, however, clearly showed people wanted to safeguard book lending, ICT provision, focus on helping children, young people and adults to improve skills and learn and the ability for the libraries to act as a community hub. We’ve tried our best to achieve these aspirations.”