Archive - Thursday, 4 October 2001


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Old library is on the move

ONE of Barry's most recognisable and enduring buildings is set for a shake-up as plans to transform the town gather pace.

The well-used library at the old Town Hall is moving from its long-term home to a new, temporary premises at the leisure centre.

It will close its doors in King Square for the last time on Saturday, October 13, and, after a two week period, will reopen at the Greenwood Street site on Monday, October 29. Although the closure may cause problems for avid readers, the Vale of Glamorgan Council have stressed the importance of the move.

A spokesman said: "We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause the library's customers, but we are sure they'll be pleased with the new service in a much improved and safer environment.

"Arrangements can be made for people to borrow additional books if they wish to make sure they have enough reading material for the closure period.

He added: "Telephone enquiries can be directed to any of the other libraries in the Vale, and Barry Library users are welcome to use any other library in the area."

The local authority also claim the new facility will provide a library 'more fitting for a town the size of Barry', and visitors will be able to choose books, read newspapers, and use study and computer facilities in comfortable, modern surroundings.

The new library will be open six days a week and for longer hours for the convenience of customers: Monday (9.30am-7pm); Tuesday (9.30am-6pm); Wednesday (9.30am-6pm); Thursday (9.30am-7pm); Friday (9.30am-6pm) and Saturday (9am-5.30pm).

Also, for the first time in Barry, the whole library will be accessible to all, including those customers who found the old library staircase a barrier to using the first floor services.

The move is seen as the first stage in the ambitious £6.5million development scheme proposed for Barry Town Centre which includes the redevelopment of the Old Town Hall, providing a new state-of-the -art library, sprucing up Central Park, and offering two sites for retail development.

End of town centre? See Sue's View page 18