Sian Walker Asks: Can We Save Our Libraries ?

By SIAN WALKER

“Libraries gave us power” is a well-known lyric by Welsh band Manic Street Preachers.

Sadly, our libraries are now on the decline, People now carry a mini library in their pocket on the go or prefer to sit in a café on their tablet or laptop while sipping the latest must-have coffee.

In 10 years from now, will libraries still exist or will they be replaced by a new ultra-modern system? And will young people look vacant when someone mentions the word library?

Why are people ditching their local libraries which, in years gone by, were community hubs, usually in the heart of the town, accessible to all and a place of peace and warmth.

Are we abandoning them? Or are they abandoning us? Prices are rising, car parks are charging more. Lack of staff and volunteers, mobile phones and reduced opening hours are all contributing to the fall of the library.

Libraries were the original warm space – now community warm spaces are popping up all over the place, with a free hot drink and a chat available to anyone who walks through the door.

As a child and teenager, I loved to visit my local library – it was one of my favourite places to go.The array of books was like treasure to me. I have always loved reading, getting lost in a good book for hours. I would take out the maximum number of books allowed and could easily have three different books on the go at once.  Back then, my only source of information for school projects came from the library. I also loved visiting the art gallery, always interesting and inspiring collections to stimulate the mind.

Can our communities bring back our libraries from the brink of closure or have they been lost for ever?.

I believe they need new initiatives, fresh ideas from a varied age group.They need more volunteers and staff; they could have small art classes, split them into adults, children, maybe family sessions. Some already have board game sessions, maybe book clubs for different ages.

There are so many possibilities that our libraries could use to reverse their decline. They just need their communities behind them and to figure out a way that the past and the future can exist in harmony.

Sian Walker

Sian  Walker has written a number of articles for Pembrokeshire.Online on a range of subjects. 

Sian says: “I have lived in Pembrokeshire all 38 years of my life. Always loved art and writing and did fashion and textiles at college. Started writing poetry in 2012, self-published a poetry book in  2013 and was opening poet at the Celtic Women’s Festival in 2013, where I shared the same stage with the musician Amy Wadge. I also had my own poetry group for two years in Narberth. I love attending the Hay Festival and people-watching while I’m there. I love all things gothic and quirky and I hate plain socks. I also love to travel and have been lucky enough to sail on two tall ships. I love the beach and am at my happiest when I’m there with the smell of the sea in the air.”