46% jump in book borrowing after opening of Bargoed Library
Published in News on Thursday March 8th, 2012. Last updated at 15:00
Cllr James Fussell, Cllr Allan Pritchard, Anthony Whittaker (United Welsh), Cllr Phil Bevan outside the Hanbury Baptist Chapel library site last year while it was under construction
More people in Bargoed are borrowing books since the opening of the town’s new library at Hanbury Chapel.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has reported a 46% rise in the number of books issued to the public since the library opened its doors in October last year.
Almost 15,000 books have been lent in just four months at the new library.
The library, sited in the historic former chapel, also includes free broadband access on the 20 computers available for public use.
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education, lifelong learning and education, said: “The huge increase in book borrowing in the Bargoed library is an encouraging sign that the community have benefitted greatly from the Hanbury Chapel renovation.”
Along with the many books on offer, the library offers weekly events, such as the Toddler Time sessions which take place on a Monday and the Knit and Natter meetings on a Friday. There are also opportunities to learn computer skills and research family history in the County Borough’s Centre for Family and Local History.
Ian Gilbert, Chair of United Welsh, the organisation which renovated the building, added: “These figures are extremely encouraging. When the partnership undertook this unique project our intention was that this multi-functional building would really grab the imagination of the local community and be well used by people of all ages. It is clear that new people are discovering the joy a library brings.”
If there was no Library in Bargoed before the recent opening how can there e a 46% rise in books borrowed, since if theres no library you cant borrow books, and hence no benchmark to start from.
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Just for the record, Bargoed library was at Hanbury Square until demolition in 2008, a temporary home was the St Gwladys Church until its final home at Hanbury Chapel, which is well worth a visit not only for the books but for the change made to the building and the IT facility.
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