TEN years after Barry Library opened, Vale councillors, staff, and members of the public celebrated the anniversary.

Vale mayor, councillor Stuart Egan and former Vale Mayor and cllr Nic Hodges – who opened the facility a decade ago – joined current Vale council leader and deputy leader, cllrs Neil Moore and Lis Burnett at the weekend event.

Old photographs and the most borrowed books were displayed.

There was a photographic challenge and an opportunity to sign up for colouring, crochet and reading groups.

Storytellers entertained visitors, who could also attend a family history drop-in surgery and enjoy craft-making, while there was a performance from Barry Male Voice Choir.

Former mayor and Vale and Barry Town cllr Nic Hodges said: “It was a great honour and privilege to open the new library in Barry. The staff worked flat out to prepare the building and set everything up ready for the grand opening. A large crowd of excited Barrians were there to witness the big day and took advantage of all the facilities. I was delighted to take many groups around both before and after the big day to help increase membership and usage of our new flagship library.”

Vale council Leader, cllr Neil Moore said: “I remember vividly the day we opened the library and there are celebration pictures on the walls here today to remind us of what the library and old council offices looked like through the ages. I think it’s an absolutely wonderful place to visit and now the learning centre upstairs only adds to the experience that everyone has.

“We wanted this place open not for political gain but to ensure the building was brought back into community use. We said: “you can’t just leave an iconic building like this empty”. “We nearly had a supermarket here. It was only the tenacity of some of us at the council and like-minded people from the community that prevented that happening. This facility is

testament to people working together to make something a success.

Cllr Lis Burnett added: “Our libraries are changing and if we look at Barry Library, just in the last few years, with all the amazing activities, there’s always something going on.”