“They don’t understand our lives”
Mariam Kamish, Caerphilly Trades Union Council secretary, and Geraint Thomas, Caerphilly Socialist Party
“They don’t understand our lives – the people who make these decisions. Without the library, my granddaughter would be trying to concentrate on her homework, sat in front of the telly.”
Caerphilly Labour council is closing ten libraries and three leisure centres. People are fighting to save Abertridwr library.
‘Use the hub library in Caerphilly’, the Labour council says. But the bus fare to Caerphilly is £5.60. The Welsh Labour government hasn’t capped fares.
Taking even one child, a couple of times a week, would be way too expensive. Not to mention – where would you find the time? Whereas now, Sue’s granddaughter walks to the library on her own, every day after school.
Plaid Cymru says it wants the library to stay open. But one of its councillors has been going around, telling people not to bother with our campaign – that the decision has already been made.
We have to save Abertridwr Library for the kids. But lots of adults need it, just as much.
Meeting banned
Angela says: “I don’t have family. The library is where I see people.”
“I take out ten books a week for my disabled friend”, says a voice from the back. After being banned from meeting inside the library, we’ve been having a protest meeting every week outside.
Robert doesn’t have a smart phone. “I can use Facebook in the library.”
People in the valley have heard about how Rhydyfelin Library – just over the mountain – stayed open when Rhondda Cynon Taf Labour council tried to close it in 2014.
We’ve won before
“‘Residents chained themselves to the bookcases”, says Rhian. “The council did a U-turn, and it’s still open today.”
The Socialist Party was involved in that campaign, which was started by Karen McGrath, the librarian, herself. “We’ll do whatever we need to do”, says Esther.
The campaign has a plan to build and get press attention. We demand that the council does its job, and provides the services we need.
We’re staging a fun day for the kids. We’re paying a visit to the councillors’ surgery, and challenging the lead councillor to a public debate.
We’re confident and determined. We will save our library.
