LIBRARIES in Blaenau Gwent could form part of community hubs, alongside other services, under plans being considered by the council.
The plan is aimed at bringing together different services, while protecting the future of library provision.
A meeting of Blaenau Gwent council’s education and learning scrutiny committee heard on Tuesday that all libraries in the county borough are being considered as community hubs.
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The plan to use libraries as hubs was one of the key recommendations of a task and finish group set up by the council.
Lynn Phillips, the council’s interim corporate director of education, said: “The provision of community hubs across the county borough is very much part of the key strategic agenda that we are looking to take forward.
“There will be benefits from a community and user perspective, but also from a libraries perspective in terms of making sure we protect provision moving forward.”
Cllr John Morgan said the move would be “a major step forward”.
“Libraries are at the centre of the community,” he said.
“It’s not just about lending a book, it’s about the other services they can bring to the community.”
Jo Sims, of Blaenau Gwent council, said the authority is meeting fortnightly with Aneurin Leisure Trust to develop the plans.
“It’s more likely now all libraries are able to do this,” she said.
“The Trust are really supportive of this and really want it to happen.”
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