Save our libraries: Caerphilly must reverse its cuts

Caerphilly’s libraries are more than books on shelves — they are warm, safe, open and welcoming spaces for young people, older residents, parents, students and everyone in between. The council’s plan to close ten local libraries would devastate neighbourhoods across the county borough, ripping out free learning, quiet study space and trusted community hubs at the very moment people need them most. The council must reverse these proposals and invest in keeping libraries at the heart of our communities.

What’s happening

Councillors have been consulting on a review of the library service and the council proposed reducing the number of sites and creating a smaller number of regional “hubs”, a change that puts ten local libraries at risk. Labour have not listened to those being affected by these changes, the ‘consultations’ have been ignored and YOU are not being listened to.

The Liberal Democrats alongside other campaigners and staff have pushed back hard: We fully support the current judicial review and thank those who have worked tirelessly to make sure that it happened. It is disgusting that the council tried to ignore the review and pressed ahead with closures, only to have them reversed by the High Court.

Why libraries matter — beyond books

When Labour talk only about savings, they forget the day-to-day value libraries deliver:

• Opportunity for young people. Libraries provide free access to books, homework support, reading groups and internet access. For children and teenagers from families on low incomes, a library is a place to study, access resources and get help with school work — things that directly affect life chances and social mobility.
• A safe, warm space. Libraries are quiet, welcoming buildings where parents can take toddlers, young people can study after school, and anyone can escape cold or isolation for a few hours. At a time when energy costs and the cost of living are squeezing households, removing that warm public space will push people into harder choices.
• A lifeline for older and vulnerable people. For many older residents a local library is a social contact point — somewhere to drop in, meet a neighbour, use the internet, and take part in community activities that reduce loneliness and support wellbeing.
• Digital inclusion and skills. Libraries offer free Wi-Fi, computers and support for people who cannot afford broadband or need help with forms, job searches and benefits applications.

These are not “nice extras” — they are essential services that underpin education, health and social support in our communities. Numerous national and local voices have warned that closing libraries disproportionately harms those who are already most vulnerable. The Liberal Democrats know that libraries are at the heart of our communities and should be protected.

The local picture

Communities across Caerphilly have already made their views clear through consultation, public meetings and organised protests. Local unions, residents’ groups and opposition parties have campaigned to save the libraries, arguing that the council should find alternative savings rather than closing doors that, once shut, are rarely re-opened. 

Why the council should reverse the decision

1. Irreversible harm. When a library closes, the loss to a community is long-term. Buildings and the trust built by staff take years to replace.
2. Hidden costs. Savings on buildings can create larger costs elsewhere — for example through increased social isolation, higher demand on other council services, and reduced outcomes for children and jobseekers.
3. Moral leadership. Elected councillors should protect the services that knit communities together. Investing in access to learning and to warm, safe spaces is an investment in public health, education and social cohesion.

Clear, practical asks

We call on Caerphilly County Borough Council to:

• Halt any further steps to close libraries and commit to a full, transparent review of alternatives to closure.
• Publish a detailed impact assessment showing how proposals will affect children, older people, digital inclusion and community groups.
• Explore alternatives including service redesign, community partnerships, volunteer support models that keep buildings open, and targeted efficiencies that do not remove local access.
• Engage meaningfully with staff and communities to co-design any changes, rather than imposing cuts that local people oppose. 

How you can help

Please join us in standing up for our libraries:

• Write to your local councillor (sample line below).
• Sign and share the petition below.
• Share your story on social media — tell people how the local library has helped you, a family member, or your neighbour.
• Tell us why your library matters to you.