The Library Hub In 2023
WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB
Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com
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THE LIBRARY HUB IN 2023
Many readers will remember that in 2016 a group of Wenvoe residents took over responsibility for our village Library to save it from closure by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Thus was born our Community Library.
Subsequently Wenvoe Community Council obtained money to replace the old building with the new one we see today which opened in Autumn 2021 as the Library and Hub for the Community. An article giving more background appeared in the November 2021 What’s On.
This item is a report to the residents of Wenvoe about the activities of the Library/Hub during 2023.
2023 Activity Report
The Library has seen it’s stock of books revised so that all books in the Adult section are modern or have been recently borrowed. New books arrive regularly and by arrangement with the Vale Library Service, our Volunteers request authors and titles which are popular with our readers. In addition, any book not held in the Library can be borrowed electronically, from home, by a registered user, being delivered to the Library for collection.
A ‘recommendations’ section has been opened where readers can champion a book they enjoyed with the book displayed as a guide to borrowers. New books are displayed as well as other selected reads. All displays are changed regularly.
Themed months were introduced in Autumn 2023 starting with Halloween and then Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Books about the theme are displayed, including children’s books, enabling borrowers to have a ready source of material and parents,suitable books to inform their children about the subject.
On alternate Thursdays classes of children from our Primary School come, with their Teachers, to borrow and return books. This has been arranged with support from all Teachers, covers the whole School and encourages the skill of reading and the value of books as a resource for life.
New individuals have registered for library services throughout the year with borrowing activity being brisk.
Hub activities are numerous and wide ranging. Some are held when the Library is open, others are closed sessions.
Monthly:
The village PCSO attends on a Wednesday afternoon when he is on duty, to report on criminal activity and answer queries from residents. The times are announced on the Wenvoe Community Facebook page and in the Library; any resident can come.
During winter months talks are given, usually by a local resident, on topics of interest, again open to
anybody. There is a small fee to cover heating costs.
A Wellbeing session has started. Individuals with mental health concerns, and their carers, can come to a private session where they can exchange information and talk with others in similar situations. Carers who have come say they have found the sessions very helpful.
Weekly:
Clwb Clonc is a Welsh language group for those who wish to use their Welsh, or learners new to the language. It has proved very popular and is open to anyone.
Smaller groups using French and Italian languages have also started. These language groups are established by like-minded individuals who welcome people to join them.
Stitches is a group who make handicraft items.
Parent and Toddler group encourages parents of young children for friendship and activity. It is musical with piano, singing and reading stories.
Silver Foxes is a private session limited to men, to provide an opportunity for friendship, comradeship and discussion.
Financial matters
The Library/Hyb is self funding and costs about £5,000 per year which has to be raised. Our main sources of income are:
The coffee/refreshment area. This has been very successful and continues to give a major source of income. Anybody is welcome to come in for a drink when the building is open.
Coach trips have taken place during to London and the Christmas Market in Bath. Open to anybody, they were popular.
Raffles were held at Easter and Christmas with donated prizes.
Library/Hub Management Team