Monmouthshire County Council is celebrating an award of £120,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government to refurbish Chepstow library. Improvements, which are due to start in August, will feature a redesigned entrance area, new book displays and an improved layout for stock with flexible space for more activities, events and classes.
Improved IT facilities will incorporate the introduction of wifi and laptops for public use while plans are in place to update the children’s area and introduce a new space for teenagers. In addition, a new local and family history area will house and promote the Chepstow Collection, a fascinating local history resource.
The funding, made via the Assembly’s CyMAL (Museums Archives and Libraries Wales) division will also enable the creation of a welcoming and secure reading garden for customers of all ages. This will be developed as a community project.
The existing library was opened in 1993 and benefits from an excellent location in the town’s centre. Continued popularity with local residents of all ages makes Chepstow the busiest library in Monmouthshire. The funding will ensure that the library continues to develop services and deliver the very best in terms of reading, information, activities and customer care.
Community Librarian, Sue Wallbank, said: “During 2010/11 we were pleased to welcome over 140,000 customers through our doors. We anticipate this refurbishment will make Chepstow Library a library fit for the 21st century, attracting even more customers to use the full range of our services.”
Updates on progress will appear on the library website (http://libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk) once the project gets under way.
