COMMUNITY representatives of Ystalyfera and the wider area gathered for the grand opening of the new community library in Ystalyfera Community Hall on Monday 25 March 2024.
The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot County Borough, Cllr Chris Williams, officially cut the ribbon marking the opening of Ystalyfera Community Library in the presence of, amongst others, Mayoress Debbie Rees, Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, and Cllr Alun Llewelyn, Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and County Borough Councillor for the ward of Cwmllynfell and Ystalyfera.
The library will open its doors to the public every Monday between 10.30am – 4pm, from 8th April 2024, and is stocked with books from the Neath Port Talbot library service.
The library itself will be run by volunteers from Pathfinders Cymru, an Ystalyfera based charity that provides support and opportunities for families with a child or young person with learning disabilities.
The charity has previously run summer holiday clubs for children with mixed abilities, and their aim is for young people with learning disabilities to mix with their community via activities that everyone can join in with. Providing opportunities to volunteer at the library is one such way Pathfinders Cymru has found to do this.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “It was wonderful to see the library re-open in Ystalyfera, thanks to the incredible efforts by the Pathfinders Cymru team. Their work in supporting families with a disabled child is innovative, already appreciated by many in the area and now providing real volunteering opportunities for young people with learning disabilities.
“It’s clear that the library is more than just a book lending service, with its 3d printer and resource lending service, there is much to bring the community together. The enthusiasm shown for the new library was clear to see, and I wish Erika, Bethan and the whole team luck in this latest venture.”
Cllr Alun Llewelyn, Deputy Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, said: “Congratulations to the volunteers and everyone involved for their hard work in renovating the community library at Ystalyfera. It’s great to see the shelves already full of brand new books, and with its link to the library services in Neath Port Talbot, locals will be able to order any book currently available through this service.
“The hall and its new library is a real asset for the community, and I would like to extend my thanks to Ystalyfera Community Council, the Shared Prosperity Fund, National Lottery and Neath Port Talbot library services for their support in making this happen.”
