CAMPAIGNERS in the 'Town of Books' are celebrating a stay of execution for their public library.

The future of Hay-on-Wye library was cast into doubt last year when it was listed by the council as one of 11 listed for possible closure from the end of March, as a result of budget cuts.

The community rallied together and formed Hay-on-Wye Library Supporters (HoWLS), a group set up to defend and grow a local authority-funded library service in Hay.

A passionate six-month long campaign led by local residents has resulted in Powys County Council (PCC) agreeing to keep the existing opening hours, although with a reduction in supported staff hours.

This was helped by Peter Florence, of Hay Festival, who offered a further year’s financial support for the library.

Anita Wright, chair of HOWLS said that this joint effort has resulted in 'a stay of execution' for Hay Library.

She said: “Libraries are at the heart of communities, particularly in rural areas – extensively used and loved by local people, young and old. Over the past three years PCC has conducted a series of flawed public consultations over the future of the library service, predicated on the need to make budget cuts.

"They targeted 11 smaller libraries for potential closure unless town and parish councils funded them, with volunteers replacing qualified library staff. This was a clear abdication of Powys statutory duty to provide a library service to meet the needs of local people, and effectively asking residents to pay twice for a reduced service. What Powys had not bargained for was the public response to this plan, particularly in Hay-on-Wye, the Town of Books."

The library in Chancery Lane could still be closed in January and moved within the town's currently being constructed primary school with a reduction of opening hours, if a further agreement is not reached.

A PCC spokesman said: "Revised budget savings targets have allowed for a further period of consultation with Hay-on-Wye Library Supporters and the town council in Hay, with a view to firm proposals by December 31, otherwise the library goes ahead with the move to the new primary school in January 2018 with reduced opening hours to meet the 50 per cent reduction in funding.

"Funding for the additional 20 per cent opening hours has been assured for another year from HoWLS and Hay Festival."

The next step in the campaign is for HOWLS to engage with the newly-elected county council and discuss a sustainable solution for the future of Hay Library that serves the needs and wishes of the wider community.