7. Plaid Cymru Debate: Funding for the National Library

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:44 pm on 3 February 2021.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 4:44, 3 February 2021

Now, of course, the Petitions Committee will be considering a petition on this topic at its meeting on 9 February. This petition has collected more than 14,000 signatures since news of the financial challenges facing the National Library of Wales became public. The petition notes the current threat to 30 jobs at the library and the associated risk to services, and calls for fair funding for the national library from the Welsh Government. It calls directly on the Government to increase its financial support to address these challenges, ensuring that the library remains a repository of culture, knowledge and information. The petition has been signed by significant numbers of people in every part of Wales, demonstrating the high esteem that the National Library of Wales is held in across the globe. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to discuss this important issue today, and the Petitions Committee will be paying close attention to the points raised when we consider the petition next week. Finally, on behalf of the committee, I wish to welcome the £2.25 million rescue package to protect jobs at the National Library of Wales. Going forward, we'll hopefully be able to consider the petitioners' reaction to this financial package at the meeting next week. Thank you. Diolch.