The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport has announced Welsh Government capital funding of £120,000 for Neyland Library, as a contribution to a project to refurbish the Library.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The funding comes from The Transformation Capital Grant Programme which supports museums, archives and libraries to transform services for users, and ensure their future sustainability.
The project will see the creation of a new build extension as part of a wider development project which will transform the Neyland Athletics Club into a community hub. This would transform the library into a multi-use facility, making it more financially sustainable and improving performance; it will also help the library to engage with the community, and assist it to deliver a professional library service.
Lord Elis-Thomas, said:
“I’m delighted to be able to announce this funding during Libraries Week - and I’ve been able to see first-hand the improvements this fund has already made in creating bright, modern and welcoming spaces for everyone.
“While Libraries Week is a great chance to discover the range of things you can do at your library, from play and learning for children, to managing your health, to accessing free Wi-Fi and games, to finding a job, the focus this year on wellbeing allows us to consider the wider role libraries can play to strengthen our communities. And this new development at Neyland will be a great asset for the whole community. Many libraries are at the centre of people’s lives and they have the potential to transform those lives by allowing a space for experiences to be shared and for promoting learning opportunities.”
Paul Miller, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture - who is also the Councillor for Neyland West - said:
“Two years ago our community was faced with the prospect of all but losing its library service with proposals under consideration to reduce opening hours to a maximum of two days a week.
“Now, thanks to this partnership between Neyland Community Interest Company, Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government the community can look forward to a brand new, purpose-built library incorporating the latest technology and open seven days a week.
“It’s a great outcome for everyone and the new Community Hub remains on track to open its doors before the end of 2019.”