7. Will the Minister make a statement on national standards for libraries? OAQ(4)0125(CS)
9. Will the Minister outline what the Welsh Government is doing to maintain library standards in Wales? OAQ(4)0129(CS)
Janet Finch-Saunders: Minister, while we do want to see these standards across Wales, we have to be quite realistic. I know that some feel that the high standards imposed upon them have now forced some local authorities to close some of our smaller community libraries. Certainly, within my own constituency, one much-loved, long-standing and highly valued library in Penrhyn Bay has now seen a local group coming forward, wishing to take it on. It has recognised that there are many residents who wish for this central hub of activity, which provides a good selection of books, computer access and friendly banter, to be a real, true community asset. Minister, will you provide some assurance today that it will not see unnecessary bureaucracy and unrealistic standards imposed upon it, which could potentially threaten the very existence of this library and the superb efforts of this community group?
John Griffiths: First of all, when it comes to closures, I have stressed to local authorities that it is very important to go through proper consultation processes and impact assessments. Where closures are necessary, I think that it is often the case that communities value their library so much that they wish to come forward and keep those facilities open on a voluntary basis, while, at the same time, benefiting from the professionalism that local authorities have in their own library services. Therefore, it is a balance. However, in no way do we wish to impose unnecessary and unhelpful bureaucracy; we want to work with communities and local authorities to make these endeavours a success.