Newbridge Library has a new home!



Manic Street Preachers star James Dean Bradfield unveiles restored Newbridge library.

Newbridge Library has a new home, having recently been relocated into the Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute in the heart of the town centre as part of a wider £5.6million EU-backed restoration project.

The unique and impressive facility is twice the size of the former building, and offers a variety of enhanced services for residents. The cash office service, previously on Newbridge High Street has also been relocated into the building, with additional opening hours to meet the needs of residents.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has supported this important initiative with £170,000 of funding to furnish the new library, introduce self service and security technology, wireless access and also contributed to the physical conversion cost. The library and cash office service will be an important long-term tenant within the Grade II-listed Institute building.

Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said,

"It is an absolute pleasure to see this much enhanced library facility in such a truly iconic setting – bringing a contemporary dimension to this fantastic listed building renovation".

"We continue to make significant investments in library provision and enhancement works at libraries across our county borough, so it is especially pleasing to note that this facility is already proving popular among our residents, with a near doubling of the number of people already through the doors compared to the former facility".

She added, "This statement facility will be one which the community will be able to enjoy for many years to come, and is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the council and local groups such as the dedicated Memo and Institute trustees come together to achieve a collective ambition".



James Dean Bradfield - unveiling plaque to library

The library facility, unveiled earlier this week by Manic Street Preachers star James Dean Bradfield, offers a wide range of improved facilities including:

• Dedicated spaces for children, young people, adults and learners
• A wide collection of books and other resources
• 17 free public access computers
• Free wireless Internet access throughout
• A self service kiosk and security system
• Event and meeting space, suitable for author events, talks and story-times
• Fax, photocopying and printing services

Also located within the newly reopened Institute building are multi-purpose community rooms, including a function room, meeting rooms and a Royal Air Force Association office. A striking new glass extension links the Institute with the Memo, and provides a new main entrance to the complex, as well as a new staff office, new WC’s and two passenger lifts.

The relocation of the library and cash office into this facility forms a key part of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s wider £12 million EU-backed regeneration works in Newbridge town centre.
For further information on library facilities across Caerphilly county borough, please visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk

Sent to us by
Gareth Evans
Interim Manager Community Education (Libraries and Community Centres)
Caerphilly County Borough Council