Bridging Access:
Library, Resources & Tech for Everyone
Community Library
At Pathfinders Cymru, our Community Library is a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone.
From the very start, we were supported by the amazing Ystalyfera Community Council, who shared our vision and helped fund part of the costs of renovating the library room, through a community startup grant. Their unwavering support, along with the incredible backing from local councillors, has been vital in making this space a reality. Thanks to their commitment, we’ve been able to create a hub where the entire community can come together to explore, learn, and borrow books.
In partnership with Neath Port Talbot Library Service, who were able to access financial support through the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, our library offers full access to their book catalogue, allowing anyone to sign up and borrow from our extensive collection.
The library is entirely managed by dedicated volunteers with learning differences and neurodiversity, who bring a wealth of enthusiasm and commitment to making the library a truly inclusive space.
We’re currently open on Mondays from 10.30am to 4pm and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 6pm, and we invite everyone in the community to come along, borrow books, or simply enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
We are also proud to support the local Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera school, with regular visits from primary classes to borrow books and discover the joy of reading. To workshops which enrich the children's learning. In addition, we provide volunteering opportunities for Year 10 and 11 pupils, especially those on reduced timetables or working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award, helping them gain valuable experience and skills in a community-focused environment.
Resource Lending Service
Our Resource Lending Service, funded by the National Lottery Community Awards, offers a vast collection of adaptive tools, educational resources, and books designed to support children and young people with their learning and skill development.
Membership is open to everyone, including individuals and organisations such as schools, childminders, and health visitors—anyone involved in supporting the education and growth of young people.
Drawing on our personal experience raising and educating children with a range of complex learning difficulties, we have carefully sourced a variety of Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) tools, books on different learning approaches, and therapy resources. Our collection also includes engaging titles specifically chosen for those struggling with or resisting developing literacy skills. The range of resources continually expands from adaptive scissors to adaptive cooking tools, and we’re always open to recommendations for new items. You can explore our full collection through our online database on Lendengine, and if you'd like to become a member, simply fill out our sign-up form.
Cost is just £10 per family per year and £20 for organisations/childminders etc per year.
We welcome everyone who shares our mission of supporting diverse learning needs and making education more accessible to all.
Digital Tech Hub
Our ever-growing Digital Tech Hub is an exciting space where young people and the community can explore cutting-edge technology. At the heart of this hub is our Elegoo Saturn 2 resin 3D printer, a tool born out of the young people's passion for creating cosplay pieces and miniatures for games like Dungeons & Dragons. We are thrilled to offer a 3D printing service where you can send your STL files to us via email, and we'll provide a quote for printing. Once approved, we'll bring your digital creations to life! You can find lots of ready-made STL files on sites like myminifactory.com and 3DCults.com (lots for free).
Email your STL files to: 3Dprints@pathfinderscymru.com
In addition to our 3D printing service, we run workshops on other exciting tech tools such as Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and microbits. These hands-on workshops teach participants how to use this innovative technology, with the opportunity to borrow STEM equipment such as the microbits through our Resource Lending Service.
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