Ystalyfera Community Library by Pathfinders Cymru

04/08/2025

Due to ongoing computer issues we are unfortunately closed today.
Apologies for the inconvenience.

11/06/2025

Tomorrow is Zog Day!

Why do we love ZOG?

Zog the dragon has qualities that everyone (young and old) can be inspired by:
Kindness • Caring • Perseverance •
Resilience • Positivity • Friendship

Let’s all try to BE MORE ZOG!

Free online workshop with author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler for stories and drawing. Julia will read Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors – and tell us a bit more about Zog and his friends.

Axel will show everyone how to draw the loveable dragon. Orange crayons at the ready!

Sign up for FREE to watch live or at a convenient time. There’s also lots of free resources on the website as well.

Join picture book superstars Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler for stories and drawing. Julia will read Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors – and tell us a bit more about Zog and his friends. Axel will show everyone how to draw the loveable dragon. Orange crayons at the ready!

07/06/2025

🌟 It’s — and we are deeply celebrating the beating heart of Pathfinders Cymru! 💜💙

Every single photo in this collection captures moments of true inclusion, genuine kindness, and vibrant community in motion — made possible by our extraordinary volunteers. Whether they’re igniting a workshop with support, nurturing a garden with care, enriching lives in the library, or simply sharing a warm cuppa and heartfelt laughter — they are genuinely transforming lives, one precious moment at a time.

Volunteering with us isn’t about being a rigid “expert” — it’s about opening your heart, showing up with compassion, and helping craft a world where every young person is truly seen, heard, and embraced.

🫶 To each and every one of you: thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are what makes this work so powerful. You are the real change.

04/06/2025

Our dear Helen Docherty - fabulous local children's author who did the wonderful children's workshops with us at the end of last year, has a new book out - Kerfuffle Bird! Already receiving outstanding reviews for the innovative and relatable way in helps children understand about feelings (and freedom!).

Here's a link to Helen's store as well as little video about the new book - Kerfuffle Bird!

https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/kerfuffle-bird-helen-docherty/7805162?aid=613&ean=9781382053822&

04/06/2025

Due to sudden injury and volunteers holidays - Wednesday afternoons are having to stop for the time being.

Sincere apologies to everyone for any inconvenience this may cause.

28/04/2025

We LOVE what we do! Thank you Neath Port Talbot Libraries for all your support!

Over the last year the Library Service has been proud to work with and support Ystalyfera Community Library, a library that prides itself on diversity, being inclusive and open to all with its aims rooted in supporting neurodivergent children and young people.
Managed by Pathfinders Cymru with ongoing support from the Library Service, the library has made a real difference to the community of Ystalyfera. Children now come along to enjoy storytimes, there are regular IT classes to help improve digital skills, readers can enjoy browsing the shelves for a good read and the library provides a safe welcoming space for everyone.
The library has shown how by bringing together the shared values of the Library Service and Pathfinders Cymru, namely diversity and inclusion, we can help communities thrive.
As April is World Autism Acceptance Month we should also say that:
- 90% of the young volunteers are autistic
- 85% of the members of the Youth Panel are autistic
- 4 our of the 6 trustees are neurodivergent

And every week the library is supporting autistic and/or neurodivergent children and young people and supporting the wellbeing of individuals and helping them to grow in confidence.

Ystalyfera Community Library by Pathfinders Cymru

28/04/2025

From books to bug houses! 🛠️🌼
Our library volunteers enjoyed the sunshine today, starting new projects in the community garden.
Real skills, real impact, real pride! 🌟

Ystalyfera Community Neath Port Talbot Libraries

09/04/2025

We’d just like to say a big thank you to Ystalyfera Community Council for their continued support and £100 grant!

Diolch yn fawr! Thank you 🙏

03/04/2025

Love this! You can borrow this and more amazing books from our lovely community library in Ystalyfera.

Don't forget to join our NEW Storyquest sessions starting Monday, 7th April! Fun for parents and little ones with freeplay, crafting, and more.

Ystalyfera CommunityHall ,

02/04/2025

20/03/2025

I'm sorry - we are away Monday attending the South Wales Finals of the Young Enterprise awards so we won't be able to open the library.

Apologies for any inconvenience this might cause.

17/03/2025

📖✨ Story Quest at Ystalyfera Library! ✨📖

Get ready for a magical Story Quest adventure every other Monday at Ystalyfera Library! Starting Monday, 7th April, join us for a fun-filled session where we explore a new book each time through themed activities, creative play, and Makaton signing.

🌟 What’s Included?
📚 A different story each session to spark imagination
🎨 Themed activities – crafts, cooking, and more!
👐 Story, Sign & Song circle time with Makaton signing
🎶 Songs & rhymes for little ones
🧸 Free play time & a chance for grown-ups to chat

📍 Where? Ystalyfera Library
🕒 When? Every other Monday, 1:30 – 2:30 pm, starting 7th April
💰 Cost? £1 per child (includes FREE squash & snack)
☕ Teas & coffees available for adults

📖 Love books? You can also sign up for our community library and borrow from our fantastic range of children’s books!

Book your places via our website https://www.pathfinderscymru.org/event-details/story-quest-2025-04-07-13-30

Ystalyfera Community Council

Today's picture has been created by one of our Teen Library Volunteers

Get ready for a magical Story Quest adventure every other Monday at Ystalyfera Library! Starting Monday, 7th April, join us for a fun-filled session where we explore a new book each time through themed activities, creative play, and Makaton signing.