It's not just books you'll be able to borrow at Newtown Library from now on - you can borrow money too.
Powys Library Service has today revealed the Cambrian Credit Union will be offering its services at Newtown and Welshpool libraries, offering financial information, savings and loans schemes to local residents, alongside the regular books, DVDs, internet access and other services already available in our public libraries.
Cllr. Martin Weale, Portfolio holder for Regeneration and Planning, said: “I am very pleased to see libraries linking up with charities such as the Cambrian Credit Union, whose work does so much to help alleviate poverty and financial pressure for people in our communities.
"Both services provide useful and sustainable resources at a community level and fit in with our Health and Wellbeing plan for the council.
"I would like to see support for credit unions grow through this partnership and for local people to make good use of both these important services. Libraries already save people money through their recycling and shared use of great resources, and the Credit Union enhances this offer to boost the local economy.”
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members, offering a friendly, convenient and easy place to save, with access to fairly priced loans as well.
The Cambrian Credit Union will be open at Newtown Library on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings each week and at Welshpool Library from 9.30am until 1pm on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Ann Francis, General Manager of Cambrian Credit Union said: “It’s important that we have a friendly local space to offer this service, where people can get the savings habit and seek advice and guidance on managing their finances. We were looking for a public space that offered a friendly and helpful environment within the community and the library is perfect for this – a place that people are comfortable using, with easy access.
“These are difficult times for many people with financial worries taking their toll on budgets. We are here to listen and help with advice and guidance, offering savings and loan schemes. We are keen for local people to become members and have a stake in their local credit union and to encourage responsible savings for all ages.”
Photo: (From left to right) Newtown Branch Librarian, Maureen Jones, Kerry Farmer, Member Service Officer at Cambrian Credit Union, Zoe Greenslade, Marketing Officer at Cambrian Credit Union, Lisa Gwilt, Credit Union Volunteer and Cllr Martin Weale, Portfolio holder for Regeneration and Planning.
