Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Riley, substituted by Councillor Bond and Councillor Maria Stevens, who was substituted by Councillor Crook.

The Chair declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest as a member of Caldicot Friends of the Library.  

George Millman asked the following questions: 
 
When will the public officially know what will happen to Tudor Street? Please can the Council confirm their plans? 

Angela Trett, also raised questions about the accessibility and location of community hubs and libraries in Monmouthshire, with a particular focus on Abergavenny. She referred to the 2024–25 health and social care report and asked whether community hubs were intended to be accessible for disabled and vulnerable people, and whether libraries were due to be relocated into community hubs. She specifically asked which community hubs in Abergavenny would host library services and whether those facilities would be accessible. 

In response, officers explained that the community hub in Abergavenny operates from the Market Hall. It was described as a slightly unusual model compared with other hubs, as it is a split-level facility, with the library located on the first floor and council services provided at ground floor level. It was confirmed that this is the current arrangement. 

Angela then asked a supplementary question about whether the Tudor Street building could be considered as a potential location for a library or community hub in the future, noting its good disabled access, parking, toilets, and overall capacity. The Chair advised that this was a matter for the relevant Cabinet Member and that her question and comments would be noted and passed on for a response. 

Angela expanded on her reasoning, explaining that while she recognised the existing provision, she felt Tudor Street had the physical space and facilities to support a wider range of activities and could attract more people if developed as a community hub or library. The Chair then closed the public open forum, thanked Angela for her contribution, and confirmed that her comments would be forwarded to the appropriate Cabinet Member for consideration and response. 

 - ACTIONS: to request a response from the Cabinet Member

Cabinet Member Angela Sandles introduced the report by emphasising the fundamental importance of public libraries as one of the few genuinely universal services provided by the Council: free at the point of use, open to everyone, non?judgemental, and trusted by communities. She highlighted that libraries support a wide range of needs, including children learning to read, adults developing skills, people who are digitally excluded, and those who need a safe and welcoming place. 

She stressed that although libraries are a statutory service, the strategy goes beyond meeting legal requirements. It is framed around fairness, prevention, and enabling people to thrive through access to information, digital support, learning opportunities, and social connection. She noted that libraries have evolved over the last decade into vibrant community hubs that sit at the heart of local service delivery, contributing to wellbeing, lifelong learning, and community resilience. 

She explained that the refreshed strategy provides a clear and practical framework for the next five years. She argued that, at a time when digital access is essential and inequalities persist, reducing library provision would disproportionately affect those facing the greatest barriers. In contrast, investing in libraries is preventative, supporting independence and confidence while relieving pressure on other parts of the system. 

She highlighted that the strategy has been shaped by meaningful consultation, with strong input from friends’ groups, volunteers and communities, whose feedback reinforced the focus on access, local identity and partnership working. She also made clear that the strategy is deliverable and responsible, building on existing provision, fitting within current budgets, aligning with wider wellbeing and equality priorities, and including clear measures of success against national standards and community outcomes. 

Richard Drinkwater delivered a presentation. Paul Sullivan added introductory remarks: 

Paul Sullivan, Head of Customer Communication and Engagement, spoke in support of the Public Library Strategy following Richard Drinkwater’s presentation. He reflected on his experience of working with the library service since recent portfolio changes and reinforced the point that each community hub and library feels different. He described this variation as a positive strength, as the buildings and services are shaped to meet the specific needs of their local communities. 

He placed particular emphasis on the importance of implementation, noting the progress made over the previous 12 months. He highlighted the passion and commitment shown by staff across community hubs and libraries, stressing that the level of support provided to residents on a daily basis should not be underestimated. He described community hubs as a significant asset, providing a single, accessible location within towns where residents can use library services, access council services, and receive support. 

Paul also drew attention to the increasing synergy between services now brought together within his portfolio, including central communications, community development, the contact centre and community hubs. He explained that these services collectively form the Council’s main point of contact with residents. He referenced recent staff training and reported a noticeable improvement in staff morale, indicating that the service is moving in a positive direction. While acknowledging that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.