THE WELSH Assembly's commitment to library services has been welcomed by Monmouthshire County Council's Cabinet Member for community learning, Liz Hacket Pain but says most of the things promised are already available to Monmouthshire residents.
The first set of 'library entitlements for citizens' was announced by Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) this month and will ensure that wherever you are in Wales, you know what you can expect from your public library service.
Library entitlements have been jointly developed by WAG, the Welsh Local Government Association and the Society of Chief Librarians in Wales.
The plan is for libraries to offer free broadband access, free online services, they will be free to join, and have helpful and friendly staff on hand to help.
Monmouthshire's Principal Librarian, Ann Jones, said, "These proposals are great for bringing all libraries up to a certain standard. It is free to join, borrow and access the web from Monmouthshire libraries. Also, we don't charge children for overdue books. We're glad that those things that have worked so well for our visitors will become the norm. It will mean that all library staff can be as proud of their facilities as we in Monmouthshire are of our excellent service. We also look forward to being able to provide even more benefits in the future."
Over the next three years, three more entitlements will be added to make using the library even more flexible.
Alun Ffred Jones, Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister said, "Libraries play an essential role in our communities, providing free access to knowledge and resources, and offering an invaluable community space for learning, meeting up and taking some time out from our busy lives.
The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to working with our partners in local government to ensure that libraries continue to play this role and remain relevant to modern life in Wales. These 'entitlements' are part of an on-going programme of work and investment to create a library service designed around the needs of the 21st century user – friendly, flexible and enjoyable to use."
Councillor Dyfed Edwards,Gwynedd, WLGA Culture spokesperson explains what the entitlements will mean for users:
"One of the things that makes people most satisfied with their local community is having access to a public library that is easy to join, where the majority of resources can be easily borrowed and where knowledgeable staff are on hand to assist. Today we're announcing that users will benefit from these entitlements at all public libraries in Wales."
"Libraries are also working together to further improve the service so that by 2009, if a book is not available at your local library then you can choose from over 4.5 million books available for loan in Welsh public libraries and have your book delivered to your local library free of charge. By 2009, there will also be no charges for children on overdue books, removing a barrier to improving literacy, and by 2010, you'll be able to 'borrow anywhere, return anywhere'."
"One Wales outlined the need for local authorities to invest in their public library services by delivering responsive and modern library services that local communities could enjoy. These new 'library entitlements' show that all local authorities in Wales are committed to work together and put the citizen first."
All eight entitlements will be in place by April 2010 and form a key part of the Welsh Assembly Government's 'Libraries for Life Programme' for 2008-2011.
*From April 2009 children will be not be charged for overdue books. This is already in place at most libraries
*From April 2009 reservation of requests for books within Wales will also be free
*From April 2010 citizens will be able to borrow books from any library and return them to any library across Wales
*Every citizen in Wales will benefit from the full implementation of the entitlements by March 2011.
For more information about Monmouthshire Libraries visit http://libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk/">http://libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk/