The latest chapter in Narberth Library’s story has started with a soft opening at its new purpose built premises.
The informal opening at the recently redeveloped Old School site happened on Thursday, 26th September, with a formal opening to come later in the year.
The library was previously housed in a former Wesleyan Church on St James Street and now enjoys a much better position, with ample parking available at the adjacent Town Moor car park.
Building the library to a basic shell and core standard was incorporated into the construction works for the whole Old School site, led by two of the school’s former pupils.
A grant of almost £150,000 from the Welsh Government, together with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council then enabled the library to be completed and fitted out to a high standard, including new state-of-the-art technology, which will significantly extend opening times.
The long-standing partnership between Narberth Town Council, the Friends of Narberth Library and Pembrokeshire County Council, continues at the new library.
Councillor Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new library opening its doors to serve local people again.
“While it’s taken a little longer than we might have hoped, it’s been a complex project with several organisations working in partnership to ensure that we have a sustainable and successful library for the people of Narberth.
“As they say, good things are worth waiting for.”
Narberth Town Council’s Mayor, Councillor Chris Walters said: On behalf of Narberth Town Council we are finally excited to say we have crossed the t’s and dotted the i’s and I would like to thank all members of the public for their patience whilst we have been going through this extensive legal process. I would like to thank the cooperation of PCC’s solicitors and our Solicitor at Hains and Lewis.
“This is such a fantastic opportunity for the Town and it is great to see a new community facility being opened with the help of PCC and Welsh Government. I would also like to thank the developers for donating this building to the Town.
“I know that the late Cllr Sue Rees would have loved to have seen this in person so I dedicate the opening day to her when we finally cut the ribbon and welcome in old and, I hope, new members to Narberth Library.
“With the friends of Narberth Library running the library, I know members of the public are in good hands and I again congratulate all members for finally getting this project completed.”
The Chair of The Friends of Narberth Library, and County Councillor for Narberth Urban, Marc Tierney said: “Since 2016, FoNL has supported our town’s much loved library service. Now, after years of planning with our partners and with Welsh Government funding, we are pleased that local library users will benefit from this major investment in our town.
“Narberth has a library we can all be proud of. The Friends of Narberth Library volunteers look forward to welcoming familiar faces and new to our brand new home on the Town Moor.”
