The latest chapter in Narberth Library’s story has begun with the informal opening at its new purpose-built premises.
The library, on the recently-redeveloped Old School site, was previously housed in the former Wesleyan Church on St James Street.
It 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.
This includes 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:“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 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.
He thanked the developers for donating the building and members of the public for their patience throughout the library's extensive legal process.
He also thanked PCC's solicitors and the town council's solicitor at Hains and Lewis for their co-operation.
He added: “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 (FoNL), 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.”
The library's informal opening took place on Thursday, September 26, with a formal opening to come later in the year.
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