Paul Wigley, Hirwaun Branch Librarian

I've set up this fundraiser because many residents have expressed a wish for a permanent memorial to remember our much loved and respected librarian, Paul.

Paul first joined the library service in 1988 as a library assistant and relief driver at Aberdare library, where he worked with and made many friends among his colleagues. From there he spent several years as a mobile library driver; this role allowed him to connect with his borrowers and begin to give the personal service he thought each of his borrowers deserved.

In 2005 Paul took up the role of branch librarian at Hirwaun library and began to make the building and service within the community of Hirwaun flourish. Paul took the time to stamp his individuality on the library, instrumental in its identity, decorating walls himself, putting up pictures and stained glass, creating displays and ensuring everything was as it should be.

When it came to his borrowers, nothing was too much trouble. He has set up classes and groups to engage the community over the years, including his very successful yoga and chair yoga classes. If borrowers were unsure what to take, he would select books for them and, on occasion, even deliver them to their homes if they were too ill or the weather was too bad for them to come out.

What Paul meant to the community and what they meant to him in return cannot be overstated. As has been written many times in the book of condolence at the library, Paul wasn’t ‘just the librarian’ to people; librarian is too small a word; he was their friend.

Paul was a friend and confidant to customers and colleagues alike and would often take time to ensure people were ok at times of trouble or when they were bereaved, always available to listen or send a text or email.

He will be much missed by everyone who worked with him and knew him, and his passing has left a hole that will never be filled; although everyone in the library service and our communities is shocked and saddened by recent events, we all know we are the better for having known Paul.

We want to commission a piece of stained glass to be installed at the library; we feel this would be a fitting tribute as Paul loved stained glass and took classes to learn the skill himself.

All donations will be gratefully accepted - let's do this for Paul!