Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff crynodebau eu hysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion, sef ei gofnod swyddogol o'r hyn a benderfynodd cyfarfod. Maen nhw fel arfer yn ymddangos ychydig wythnosau ar ôl y cyfarfod.
1.1 The Chair welcomed Members and Officers to the meeting and apologised for the delay in starting the meeting as there had been technical issues. 1.2 Apologies had been received by Councillors Lynda Clarkson & David Williams.
2.1 There were no interests declared.
3.1 The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 September 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record.
4.1 The TLS went through the action sheet, there were no outstanding actions. Members agreed to note the action sheet.
5.1 The Chair introduced the item and following brief comments from the EM, the Committee went into questions. 5.2 In response to Members’ questions the officers provided the following answers: • The HoC&R explained that the primary shift compared to the previous strategy had been more of an emphasis on moving from traditional library services to creating community hubs, with flexible spaces shaped by local needs while retaining the core purpose of reading and learning. • The SL responded to the question of how libraries supported health and well-being, advising members that libraries provided therapeutic benefits through reading, maintained health and well-being collections, and offered one-to-one support via a dedicated well-being officer. The GM – CE&A added that initiatives included dementia-friendly groups, falls prevention workshops, and sensory areas for neurodivergent users. The HoC&R confirmed that measures were still in draft form but acknowledged overrepresentation of older users and efforts to gather feedback from younger demographics. The SL explained that staff had increased outreach to under-18s following survey review. • The SL stated that libraries remained trusted spaces and now offered more than book lending, while the HoC&R emphasised the importance of outreach and changing perceptions. • The SL explained that outreach included school visits, college engagement, and digital resources, alongside new evening activities. The GM – CE&A then added that plans included pop-up youth clubs and antenatal sessions. • The HoC&R clarified that the overarching strategy was unified based on local needs, but delivery plans would be tailored to each library. The SL confirmed that survey responses were analysed by location. • The SL explained that staff had participated in workshops and received regular training, including safeguarding and dementia awareness. The HoC&R added that wider council teams provided additional support. • The HoC&R stated that measures were evolving and would include qualitative data. The SL also noted Welsh Government’s shift toward impact assessments. • The SL explained that the decline in children’s book borrowing had been due to a five-week closure of Cwmbran Library for refurbishment. • The SL responded to questions around the number of website visits that many users accessed resources via apps rather than the website. The HoC&R suggested reviewing the website’s purpose and content. • The HoC&R confirmed over 500 responses to the latest survey had been received and there were ongoing efforts to broaden responses from under-represented demographics. The GM – CE&A explained that physical surveys and outreach to cfommunity groups had also been undertaken. The HoC&R agreed that incentives could help improve youth survey participation but stressed the need for creative engagement methods. • The SL explained that all libraries had lifts and disabled toilets, though some lifts were outdated. The HoC&R suggested working with accessibility groups and improving signage. • The GM – CE&A proposed using ‘You said, we did’ messaging and open days. The SL highlighted the need for ongoing promotion of existing services. • The HoC&R supported a rebrand of Cwmbran Library with a communications plan. The GM – CE&A mentioned signage improvements and collaboration with Cwmbran Shopping Centre. • The HoC&R confirmed that considerations around neurodiversity was a strategic priority and further engagement was planned. • Both the HoC&R and SL explained that careful programming and quiet zones would maintain the balance between services under one roof, to ensure that the library’s core purpose wasn’t diluted. • The GM – CE&A and SL explained that partnerships, home library services, and collaboration with Community Meals were key outreach methods to those unable to attend in person. • The HoC&R explained that the long-term vision was for vibrant, community-led spaces with preventative health benefits. The GM – CE&A added that she anticipated broader data sets reflecting community engagement. • The GM – CE&A explained that partnerships with the Health Board included pain relief sessions, falls prevention, and antenatal support. The HoC&R stressed the importance of preventative services and joined-up investment. The HoC&R also acknowledged there had been challenges around mental health and confirmed the need for qualitative data and case studies. • The HoC&R and SL explained that new volunteer roles had been introduced, supported by TVA partnerships and tailored support for neurodivergent volunteers. • The SL explained that timing and lack of promotional materials were key barriers to school engagement with the Summer Reading Challenge. The GM – CE&A suggested working with education colleagues to improve future engagement. 5.3 The Chair thanked the Officers and EM for their attendance and responses before they left the meeting. Members, the TLS and TD&MSO remained. 5.4 Recommendations Upon completion of their scrutiny activity, the Committee offered the following recommendations:- Recommendation 1:- The committee welcomed the strategic transitioning of our libraries to more community focussed hubs, however, remain cautious as to the long-term sustainability of partnership involvement. Members recommended as part of the metrics being designed to measure and monitor performance, that metrics monitoring partnership involvement and use of facilities be implemented, to mitigate against any potential risk of partners withdrawing from the hubs. Recommendation 2:- To strengthen the communications campaign to re-brand our libraries and specifically Cwmbran as a Community Hub & Library, members recommended that any work conducted to make improvements off the back of the survey feedback be highlighted within the campaign. E.g. ‘you said poor signage was an issue, we’ve done x,y,z to improve that’ Recommendation 3:- The committee recommended a brief summary of location specific information be included, to individually reference the vision and priorities for Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon locations. Recommendation 4:- Members also recommended consideration and reference be made within the supplementary chapter as to how a greater emphasis on community provision will further support people with neurodivergences The Adults & Communities O&S Committee welcomed the move to transition our libraries into more community focussed hubs. Members stressed the importance of listening and acting upon the feedback from the survey to ensure we are delivering the services and support people truly need and want.
6.1 The Committee agreed to scrutinise Community Safety at the next meeting.
7.1 The next meeting was scheduled to take place on 22nd January 2026 7.2 The meeting ended at 12.20pm
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.