'Use it or lose it' warning as library visited once a week

BOOKWORMS are being warned to use or lose their library — after it was revealed that volunteers see just one person a week on average.

But the clerk of Llannon Community Council, who helps run the facility at Tumble Hall, has said that ideas for the use of the room, would also be welcomed by the public.

The figure was revealed during a monthly meeting of council members.

The community council took on the running of the library last year, after Carmarthenshire Council decided to close a number of community libraries.

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"We decided to try and hold on to it," said Mr Davies.

"Volunteers are with us helping to run the place, and the county has continued to support the library by giving two computers."

But, he said, the biggest problem was a lack of use, stemming from the small range of books there.

"People have moved to other libraries, like in Cross Hands, where there's a bigger range of books," added Mr Davies.

"But now we need to look forward."

The council held a meeting with Carmarthenshire Council officers, who agreed that closure was a good option for the library.

Mr Davies said volunteers were hard to find, and it was not fair on them to have to work when only one person was using the library.

"They have got children too, who will be off school for the summer, so it's then awkward for them to come in," he said.

"But we have got one or two new people saying that they want to help as well.

"But we don't need them if we don't get more people through the door.

"It's a use it or lose it type of situation."

Mr Davies added that this did not necessarily mean the end of a community facility with books.

He said: "If it carries on, it's likely we will have to close it as an official library.

"But we have other options we're looking at for a new use of the building.

"Maybe as some type of unofficial library, where people give books and also take books, but it's based on a method of trust.

"This would be alongside some sort of community cafe."

Anyone with ideas for the building can contact the Community Council on 07971 026493.