“The library gave me my independence back.”

A disabled library user has described how her local library became a “second home”, helping her overcome isolation, build friendships and regain the confidence to live more independently.

Rachel started visiting Pyle Library regularly in September 2025, at a time when she was experiencing significant loneliness and rarely felt able to travel anywhere independently.

What began as a visit to a familiar public venue soon became something much more important. The warm welcome she received from library staff gave her a place where she felt safe, valued and accepted as an individual.

“When people think about libraries, they often think about books,” said Rachel. “For me, the library has become my safe place, my support network, my creative studio, my social life and, in many ways, my second home.”

A major turning point came when the library manager encouraged Rachel to join an art group. As an autistic person, she initially found the idea of entering a new social environment daunting. With gentle encouragement, however, she decided to take part.

Through the group, she discovered a creative outlet and built friendships with people who accepted her for who she is. It gave her the opportunity to participate not primarily as a disabled person or advocate, but simply as Rachel, an artist, writer, reader and friend.

“That one suggestion changed everything,” she said. “Through the art group, I discovered not only a creative outlet but a community of people who accepted me exactly as I am.”

The library now provides a supportive environment where Rachel can work on collage art, read, write her fantasy novel and plan content for her disability blog. Staff encourage her ambitions, celebrate her achievements and offer a listening ear when she needs one.

Their belief in her has contributed to a significant improvement in her confidence and independence. Before becoming a regular library visitor, Rachel rarely travelled alone. She now catches the bus into Bridgend independently and visits places she would previously have felt too anxious to explore.

“That confidence didn’t appear overnight,” she explained. “It grew because every time I came back to the library, somebody believed I could do it.”

As a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, Rachel can encounter practical barriers during everyday activities. She says library staff offer assistance naturally and respectfully, whether opening a door, reaching an item from a shelf or checking whether she needs support.

On one occasion, when her wheelchair unexpectedly broke down at the library, staff responded quickly and compassionately. They protected her privacy, supported her practical needs and ensured that she was treated with dignity throughout a vulnerable situation.

“They never make me feel like a burden,” said Rachel. “Instead, they make me feel valued. They didn’t just solve a practical problem that day, they protected my dignity and made sure I felt safe and respected.”

The library has also provided a safe and comfortable place during periods of extreme weather. During the summer heatwave, Rachel struggled to regulate her body temperature because of her medication. With her flat becoming unbearably hot, she spent four days at the air-conditioned library, where staff made her feel welcome.

The flexibility and understanding of the team have been equally important. On days when Rachel wants company, she can talk to staff and other visitors. When social interaction becomes difficult, staff help her find a quiet space where she can read, paint or write, while checking discreetly that she is all right.

Her experience also demonstrates the important role libraries play in bringing different generations together. Although she would ordinarily find noisy environments overwhelming, Rachel has grown to enjoy hearing toddler rhyme sessions and baby groups taking place while she works.

“Those sounds remind me that the library is alive,” she said. “It belongs to everyone. It’s a place where every generation comes together.”

The impact has extended to her reading and creative development. Over the past year, Rachel has discovered new authors and stories that have inspired her own writing. As an aspiring novelist, she says the library’s range of books continues to fuel her creativity every week.

There have also been moments when the care shown by staff has gone beyond the walls of the library. When Rachel was involved in an accident nearby and did not return when expected, staff went to look for her and remained with her until an ambulance arrived. On another occasion, when a broken wheelchair prevented her from visiting for several days, staff contacted her to check that she was safe and well.

“Knowing that people noticed my absence and genuinely cared enough to ask how I was meant more than they will probably ever realise,” she said.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust said:

“Rachel’s story shows that libraries are about so much more than books. They are welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can make connections, explore their creativity, access support and feel part of their community. We are immensely proud of the library team and the kindness, professionalism and understanding they demonstrate every day.

“Our partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council enables us to provide accessible and responsive library services that meet the changing needs of local communities. By working together, we are helping to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds have welcoming places where they can learn, create, connect and belong.

“Although not every interaction becomes part of a public story, these moments of human connection demonstrate the profound social impact of our shared library service.”

Reflecting on the difference Pyle Library has made to her life, Rachel added:

“The impact this library has had on my wellbeing is impossible to overstate. It has improved my mental health, increased my confidence, strengthened my independence, expanded my creativity and introduced me to friendships I never expected to find.

“Most importantly, it reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I may have a house, but the library is my home. Every community deserves a library like this. I know mine has changed my life.”

Deputy Leader, Cllr Jane Gebbie, added: “Rachel’s experience is a powerful reminder of the difference that welcoming, accessible community services can make to people’s lives.

“At Bridgend County Borough Council, we are proud to support a library service that is there for everyone – not only as a place to discover books and develop skills, but as a safe and welcoming space where people can connect with others, pursue their interests and feel part of their community.

“We are committed to ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the needs of our communities and remain inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, supported and able to participate.

“Rachel’s story demonstrates the importance of investing in services that help people overcome isolation, build confidence and develop greater independence. We want our libraries across Bridgend County Borough to continue playing this vital role at the heart of our communities.”