THE volunteer-run Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen Library opened up its doors for a family funday in a bid to raise funds needed to help expand its services for village residents.

In 2014, the cuts-stricken Neath Port Talbot Council withdrew financial support for the village resource, leaving its future in grave doubt.

Fortunately for village book lovers, a team of volunteers, supported by the community council, stepped in to keep the facility open.

Volunteer Glenys Protheroe said the library was now a thriving centre of community life.

“It’s going from strength to strength,” she said.

“It’s not just a library, it is a community hub.

“If people come to borrow a book, sit and read, use the computers, or just have a chat, they’re all welcome.

“We’ve reached out to the community and they’ve responded brilliantly.”

Opening the event, Neath AM Gwenda Thomas said: “I want to say a very, very, sincere thank you to the volunteers who are keeping this library open.

“It’s great to see so many children here today.

“We can see the value of books to children and we can see how relaxed the children are here.

“It’s different from the time when we grew up.

“They’re very familiar with computers and iPads.

“Well, the library offers all of that as well.

“There’s no doubt that the library wouldn’t be here without this fantastic effort.

“I’m also glad to pay tribute to our community councillors, who are working very hard to keep this asset for the community.”

Community councillor Sharon Sunderland said: “As chairperson of Y Lolfa, I am amazed by the dedication and commitment of our loyal volunteers and trustees.

“We work well as a team and felt that maintaining a library service within our little community was worth fighting for.

“We felt this was an achievement and we should be celebrating the success.

“We now look forward to developing Y Lolfa as a community hub with lots more on offer.”

All of the funds raised at the funday event from the sale of books, homemade cupcakes and refreshments will be used to further upgrade the library’s resources and help extend its services to more of the communities in surrounding areas.