DRASTIC changes in Carmarthenshire’s mobile library service have been proposed. The library van would stop for longer in each location – but the number of stops would be dramatically cut from over 100 to 22.
None of the 22 stops are east of Llangadog. The remoter rural areas would lose heavily. Caio, Cilycwm, Cynghordy, Myddfai , Ffarmers, Pumsaint and Talley would be omitted from library routes, as would Llanybydder, Llanwrda, Llansadwrn, and other villages all over the county.
The County Council says that the mobile library service is under-used and not cost-effective.
The idea now is to carry computers, a photocopier and printer on board, as well as books, so people can use the internet, print forms and photocopy important documents. The lower number of stops would enable the library vans to stay longer in each place, giving customers time for tasks such as searching for jobs and applying for benefits.
The proposed stops are Bancffosfelen, Brechfa, Cwmffrwd, Cynwyl Elfed, Ferryside, Hendy, Laugharne, Llanboidy, Llandybie, Llangadog, Llangeler, Llanllwni, Llannon, Llansteffan, Manordeilo, Meidrim, Mynyddcerrig, Nantgaredig, Pencader, Pendine, Peniel and Trimsaran.
The special service for housebound customers is being reviewed, too, but the council aims to ‘ensure that all existing and new users are offered a first class service in their home’.
Public consultation on the plan closes next Friday (Jul 29). To complete the survey online, go to http://ilocal.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/consultations/mobile-libraries/
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