Libraries playing their part as Swansea Spaces

With 17 branches across the city, the council’s library service was among the first to list its offering on the Swansea Spaces directory.

The directory highlights places where people can go for free and has more than 80 entries.

Some offer activities, some are a great way for people who may feel isolated to meet others, some offer a warm place to read a book, magazine or surf the net or warm quiet areas where people can work.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities Hayley Gwilliam visited Oystermouth Library this week to find out how valuable the service has been.

Cllr Gwilliam said: “When we set-up the Swansea Spaces directory at the start of the winter we wanted to highlighted the warm places people could go to, but talking to those who are providing and using the services it is clear it has been of a real benefit to those who feel isolated as it has signposted places where they are welcome.”

Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture and Equalities, said: “Our library service offers so much more than the opportunity to borrow a book.

“It is lifeline for people who are isolated and their visits may be one of the few opportunities they get to speak to others or socialise with fellow users.

“Our libraries are playing an important role in the cost of living crisis as not only is membership free they are also offer free computer, internet and WiFi enabling members to access a range of services.

“They run activities for adults and children if people wish to get involved, but as I heard this week they are also a treasured place where people can go to read a newspaper or magazine in a warm and welcoming space.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)