Chair of the Council visits Ruthin Library

Chair of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Bobby Feeley, recently visited Ruthin Library to learn more about the wide range of services, activities and support available for local residents.

Helen White, Heidi McDougall, Cllr Bobby Feeley, Vanessa Hill

Councillor Feeley was joined by Chief Executive Helen White, Head of Housing and Communities Heidi McDougall, Principal Librarian Debbie Owen and Ruthin Library Manager Vanessa Hill.

During the visit, Councillor Feeley met library staff and saw first-hand how the library has become much more than a place to borrow books. Alongside its extensive collection of books, the library offers free access to technology and digital support, job clubs, Bookstart and Rhyme Time sessions for young children and families, craft and reading groups, and provides a welcoming space where residents can access advice and support from a range of services.

With the Summer Reading Challenge – Read to the Beat! currently taking place in libraries across Denbighshire, the visit also highlighted the important role libraries play in encouraging children to develop a lifelong love of reading. The Challenge is packed with fun, free activities throughout the summer holidays, helping young readers stay engaged while discovering the joy of books, music and creativity.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the Citizens Advice Denbighshire service based within the library, where friendly, knowledgeable advisers are on hand to help people with a wide variety of issues, both big and small.

The group also explored the library's basement archive, home to a fascinating collection of historic publications that help tell the story of Ruthin's rich heritage and history.

The visit also brought back personal memories for Councillor Feeley, who recalled visiting the building for the first time as a newly elected Glyndŵr District Councillor in 1986, when it served as the Council Chamber. She reflected on its transformation into the much-loved library that has served the community since the early 1990s.

Councillor Feeley said:

"It was wonderful to spend time at Ruthin Library and see the incredible range of services it offers. Libraries today are so much more than places to borrow books – they are welcoming community hubs where people of all ages can learn, connect, access support and take part in activities.

"It was especially lovely to see the Summer Reading Challenge in full swing, inspiring children and families to enjoy reading together over the holidays. It was also fascinating to revisit a building that holds such personal memories for me and to see how it has evolved into such an important community resource. I'd like to thank the staff for the warm welcome and for everything they do to support residents every day."

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