Neath Port Talbot library service crowned best in Wales

The service was chosen as Wales’ regional winner in The British Book Awards’ Library of the Year category — a title judged on how well libraries inspire readers, reach new audiences and deliver programmes that genuinely change lives.

A festival that reached families who needed it most

Judges praised Neath Port Talbot for creating NPT Children’s BookFest: Write, Draw, Create — a festival designed to bring high‑quality events to children aged 5–16 in areas where opportunities like this are usually out of reach.

Working with local parks, theatres and community partners, the festival mixed author events, creative workshops and a writing competition to pull in families who don’t normally engage with library services. Judges said it showed “ambition, imagination and real community impact”.

Up against the best in the UK and Ireland

Eight regional and national winners have been announced across the UK and Ireland, selected from 42 finalists. The overall Library of the Year will be revealed at a ceremony at Grosvenor House on 11 May 2026.

Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of the judging panel, said the winners proved how powerful libraries can be when they innovate.

“Libraries are at the heart of our reading culture,” he said. “These winners show how a love of books can be sparked across whole communities — from writing projects to book bingo to programmes supporting refugees.”

Government cash boost for libraries

The announcement comes as the UK Government confirmed a funding package of up to £150,000 for public libraries as part of the National Year of Reading. The money will support projects in areas with high deprivation, low engagement and limited access to cultural services.

‘Vital community anchors’

Karen Napier, CEO of The Reading Agency, said this year’s entries showed the scale of innovation happening in libraries across the UK.

“The regional and country winners truly distinguished themselves through the depth of their impact,” she said. “They show how libraries are shaping resilient, inclusive communities across 2026 and beyond.”

Teacher Attacked: School Safety Debated After Stabbing Incident

A student was convicted of attempted murder in Ammanford. Parents now question if they should check bags for weapons after the incident.

#AmmanfordAttack, #SchoolSafety, #TeacherRights, #StudentViolence, #WalesNews

https://newsletter.tf/ammanford-school-stabbing-parents-bag-checks-student-attack/

After a student was convicted of attempted murder, parents are being asked to check bags for weapons, a task many find difficult.

#AmmanfordAttack, #SchoolSafety, #TeacherRights, #StudentViolence, #WalesNews

https://newsletter.tf/ammanford-school-stabbing-parents-bag-checks-student-attack/

Family pays tribute to 18-year-old Sally Allen following fatal A40 collision

The family of Sally Allen, an 18-year-old from Cresswell Quay, Kilgetty, have paid heartfelt tribute following her death in a collision on the A40 at Broadoak, between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, on Wednesday morning, July 23.

Sally died after a crash involving a red Renault Clio and a blue Audi Q5. In a statement released by Dyfed Powys Police, her family described her as “endlessly caring, unintentionally hilarious and the most amazing supportive and joyful person.”

They added:

“Sally was a much-loved sister to William and Issie, and a treasured daughter of Richard and Kate. She was a beloved granddaughter to Nanna, Bamps, Nanny and Pops and was loved by all her aunties, uncles and cousins. She had a large number of friends and was very popular with everyone who knew her.

In only 18 years of her life, she touched the hearts of so many people within her community, her school, her work and social life. She was a girl who found happiness in attending Young Farmers Club, including Martletwy YFC. She enjoyed horse riding and her day-to-day life at home in Cresswell Quay.

Sally lit up any room she entered with her smile and personality. Since her death it has become apparent how much Sally was loved and cherished. Her sudden absence leaves an unfillable space in the lives so many people that knew and loved her.

The Allen family is devastated, in shock and is being comforted and supported by family and friends.”

Police appeal for witnesses

Dyfed Powys Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses. Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was travelling along the A40 at Broadoak around 8am on Wednesday, July 23, and may have dash camera footage.

Information can be submitted:

• Online via Dyfed Powys Police’s contact portal
• By email: [email protected]
• By phone: 101, quoting reference 075 of the 23rd

Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

#A40 #A40Collision #BroadOak #Broadoak #Carmarthen #communityTribute #CresswellQuay #DyfedPowysPolice #fatalAccident #fatalCrash #Kilgetty #Llandeilo #MartletwyYFC #RoadTrafficAccident #SallyAllen #WalesNews #witnessAppeal #YoungFarmersClub