Library staff talk to the Women’s Institute on the Ystradgynlais refurbishment
Staff at Ystradgynlais Library were delighted to be invited to give a talk to Ystradgynlais and District Women’s Institute about what the library offers and what could be expected after the refurbishments. As the talk happened to be on Valentine’s Day, it was given the title of “Love Your Library”, and a cheerful Valentine’s display was made of the various promotional leaflets. The library offers were introduced via a quiz, challenging the ladies to share what they already knew about public libraries in general and Ystradgynlais and Powys Libraries in particular. The winning team was especially knowledgeable! They didn’t just know about the computer and wifi provision, and the various groups that the library runs and the rooms available to hire, they also knew that the library hosts Credit Union every Friday and has a period poverty scheme where free sanitary products are available discretely to anyone who needs them. No one guessed the answer to “the most borrowed titles from Powys libraries in 2023”, though; if you would like to know, number 1 was The Bullet that Missed - Richard Osman, number 2 was The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman , number 3 was No Plan B - Lee Child, number 4 was The Man Who Died Twice - Richard Osman, and number 5 was Lessons in Chemistry - Bonnie Garmus. At the end of the quiz, though, each team was presented with a box of chocolates – because libraries don’t discriminate!
There were many searching questions after the quiz, and these mostly asked for more details about library service digital offers in Powys. It was a surprise to some that they could borrow an iPad or Chromebook from the library, and that staff are on hand to help in learning how to use a smart phone or other digital device. In fact, some were looking forward to joining the Over-50s Tech Club when the library reopens in April after the refurbishment. The ladies were keen to know more about the facilities to support people in accessing Attend Anywhere remote medical appointments, where the library offers a private room, large screen and staff support to log in. Also on a health note, they were intrigued to hear that the library can loan out blood pressure monitors – with a choice of cuff size. They were interested to hear about the rooms available for hire, and about the seating in the beautiful library garden, which also has community fruit and vegetables for picking. At the end of the meeting, each lady was presented with a red rose from the display. Thanks go to the Ystradgynlais and District WI for the invitation and for such a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
Wi listen to a talk about the core services provided by the Library service and an update on the refurbishment currently taking place at the library.
