New chapter for relocated library (From Milford Mercury)

New chapter for relocated library

1:50pm Friday 24th July 2009

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Milford Haven’s new library opens for business on Monday.

The library is relocating from its site in Hamilton Terrace to the first floor of the Cedar Court building at Havens Head retail park (near Tesco).

The move had previously caused controversy with Milford Haven Town Council claiming to be kept in the dark about the plans.

However, Pembrokeshire County Council said that discussions had to be kept private for commercial confidentiality reasons.

Another reason for the move, the council said, was that the present building —next door to the Town Hall —does not meet the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act. The cost of bringing it up to modern-day standards was just too prohibitive.

The new Cedar Court facility also means the closure of Hakin library, where only 2.3% of the population used the facility during the last half of 2008.

The relocation has been assisted by a £100,000 grant from CyMAL: Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales, which is a division of the Welsh Assembly.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor Rob Lewis, cabinet member for cultural services, sports, leisure and tourism, said the relocation of services would enable a library fit for the 21st century to be developed.

“It has a fabulous colour scheme, soft seating, local graphics, plenty of new stock and improved display facilities including ‘quick pick’ display stands for readers in a hurry,” he explained.

“There is much bigger and better space for children, the centrepiece of which is a colourful play boat.”

As many as 15 computers will be available for public access with an additional two reserved for children and young people.

Accessible by lift, the opening hours are the same as before, except that the late night opening is now on Thursday. The library closes on Saturdays at 1pm.

Councillor Lewis said the opening of the new facility represented a continuation of a significant programme of library redevelopment by the authority.

“We have created new libraries in Fishguard and Pembroke, made improvements in Tenby and completely refurbished Neyland and Pembroke Dock libraries,” he added.

Post your thoughts on the new-look library below.

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