Glan-yr-afon, an innovative new cultural centre in the heart of Haverfordwest town centre, will open to the public next month.

The development, including a library, gallery, visitor information and coffee shop, is the result of an exciting partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council and the National Library of Wales.

Funding to build the facility came from a range of sources including Pembrokeshire County Council, Welsh Government, the Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Haverfordwest Town Council have given a five-year funding package to ensure the library is able to open throughout the year on Saturday afternoons, the previous library having been open on Saturday mornings only.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, Paul Miller, said it was an exciting new facility not only for Haverfordwest but for Pembrokeshire generally.

“It provides a blueprint for the way we need to engage with our customers,” he said.

“I look forward to similar innovative developments in the future to help revitalise our town centres.”

At the centre of Glan-yr-afon will be a 21st Century library space, blending traditional book stock with online access and self-service technology.

An interactive story wall will be the focal point of a fantastic children’s offer, featuring illustrations by local artist Jackie Morris.

A gallery of national significance will bring some of Wales’ most important artwork and objects to the county.

In partnership with the National Library of Wales, the gallery will host a programme of thematic six month exhibitions that display the library’s iconic collections, as well as a permanent exhibition on the history, culture, arts and legends of Pembrokeshire.

“We are delighted to be a part of this exciting new project in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council,” said Linda Tomos, Chief Executive and Librarian at The National Library of Wales.

“Extending and improving access to our vast reservoir of cultural heritage, increasing public engagement and tackling social inequalities through culture and sharing of information are all recognised priorities in our The Nation's Memory: Informing the Future: Strategic Plan 2017-2021.”

“We look forward to sharing our collections with the people of Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

The opening exhibition, Kyffin Williams: Land and Sea, will feature the best collection of work from Wales’ most famous artist Sir Kyffin Williams to celebrate the centenary of his birth.

The flagship facility, on the town’s riverside, will welcome visitors for the first time on Friday, December 7, from 10 am.

The opening of Glan-yr-afon will be marked with a week-long programme of activities, including a Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 8.

Full details of the activities to celebrate the opening will be announced shortly.

For more information, log onto: pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture

or visit the Pembrokeshire Libraries Facebook page at: facebook.com/PembrokeshireLibraryService