Gwynedd Council celebrates reopening Bangor library

Bangor’s new look library will be opened by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heritage Minister, and the local AM Alun Ffred Jones, on Friday, 23 October.

This follows a major revamp project which includes improving facilities to meet the demands of the 21st century as well as safeguarding the beautiful listed building in the city centre.

Gwynedd Council’s Libraries Services has – on the one hand – overhauled the look and feel of the library interior while safeguarding the historical façade. The scheme has been financed by Gwynedd Council’s capital budget and the Assembly Government’s Town Improvement Grant.

Bangor Library is the busiest in the county with more than 50 items lent per hour when the library is open, and more than 100,000 visits a year. The library has already seen a hike in visitor numbers since its facelift and it is hoped that figures will go continue to rise.

There are several exciting elements to the scheme which will create a modern and inviting feel for the library for old friends as well as new users. A brand new downstairs section has been created for children and there is a new floor for computers. The library has been fitted out with new furniture – ideal for relaxing as well as studying.

Hywel James, Gwynedd Council’s Chief Librarian, said: “Re-opening Bangor Library is a cause for celebration for all of us. I am confident that this will prove to be a vital and modern facility for the people of the city and the surrounding area.

“The library will make the best use of the latest technology to ensure that all users benefit from a fast and straight-forward service.

“For example, we have more computers than ever for public use and people can use self-serve machines to reserve a time slot on a computer or to borrow item. This makes it easier for users and frees up staff’s time to help users who need help.

“We are also delighted to have received an Assembly Government grant through CyMAL to provide a WI-Fi link so that users can bring their own lap-top computers to use in the library.

Alun Ffred Jones AM said:

“I am looking forward to see the new and improved Bangor Library and I am confident that the library will attract more members, as has happened in other places across Wales following library improvement schemes.

“I am glad that the Welsh Assembly Government has invested more than £100, 000 to breathe new life into this library and I also applaud the Council for their considerable investment. Bangor Library has already served the people of the city for more than a century and I am sure it will continue to do so for years to come.”