Dylan library is one of six facing closure

DYLAN Thomas's adopted home is one of six Carmarthenshire communities set to lose their libraries as the council fights to balance its books.

The Swansea-born poet settled in Laugharne and the town has since built its reputation on that literary link with tens of thousands of tourists flocking there each year.

But in the near future, both residents and visitors to the town look like being denied the chance to visit Laugharne library.

Cash-strapped Carmarthenshire Council is preparing to close it down — along with another five in Felinfoel, Hendy, Llandybie, Glanaman and Penygroes. It says a mobile library service will be provided in their place but the move is expected to save the authority £34,000 a year.

It is not clear how many jobs will be affected but librarians will be forced to work part-time.

A report for councillors states: "We have recommended that six poorly performing, small part-time libraries are closed.

"The community librarians who now staff the six libraries listed for closure will be incorporated onto the library services database of relief library assistants. Fewer staff will therefore be employed on a full-time basis."

The closure of the libraries would mean the total in Carmarthenshire would have fallen from 35 to 22 over the past three years.

Of the library buildings involved, three are owned by the council, two are rented and one shared.

More closures have not been ruled out with the report concluding: "A further review of branch libraries may be necessary next year."

Swansea-based poet and writer, Peter Read, who is a regular visitor to Laugharne both as a performer and Dylan Thomas guide, said: "Dylan Thomas, arguably one of the greatest writers ever, lived in Laugharne and was an integral part of its community.

"He placed great store on the importance of words and reading, he was a great reader of other people's work too, so it's sad that the library looks like closing.

"It's always sad when a library closes, even sadder than when a pub closes."

Carmarthenshire's libraries and heritage manager Dewi Thomas explained that a mobile service would be used to replace the axed libraries.

He said: "The recommendation is that they are closed as the service can be provided at those locations by the mobile library service, and at other locations close to these communities, generating savings of £34,000 per year.

"Full council will take the decision when they meet to look at next year's budget."

geraint.thomas@swwmedia.co.uk