Posted on: Tuesday 25 February 2025
Pupils from St Alban's RC High School are among those who will benefit from furniture donated by Cwmbran Library.
In total, more than 125 items will be donated to 28 different organisations this week, as work to renovate the library in Gwent Square, Cwmbran, gets underway.
Staff at St Alban's, in Pontypool, requested several items for their new school library, including shelves, drawers, chairs and coffee tables.
School librarian Victoria Preece said: "This equipment will help us to display our books and create a chill out area for children to relax and enjoy reading.
"We see up to 350 pupils in our library every week through our Accelerated Reader programme and reading intervention, so the items will be enjoyed by a lot of children."
Two comprehensives, two primary schools, Aspris College for people with learning disabilities, and more than 20 community groups were successful in requesting free furniture and equipment.
Stephanie Morgan, Torfaen Council’s Libraries Team Leader, said: "We're very pleased these items are going to get a second life with such worthwhile organisations."
Cwmbran Library is expected to be closed for around four weeks for the renovation, which will include new digital facilities, an agile working hub, teenage library and areas for health, well-being and community support. See the plans
For information about changes to library services during the closure visit: https://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Community-Wellbeing/Libraries/Libraries-mobilelibraryservice/Cwmbran-Library.aspx
The project is funded by a £300,000 Welsh Government Transformation Capital Grant and £127,000 from Torfaen Council.
It follows £300,000 investment in Pontypool Library in 2011 and £100,000 for Blaenavon Library in 2015.
Cllr Peter Jones, Executive Member for Corporate Governance and Resources, said: "Cwmbran Library is a fantastic community facility that is already well used by thousands of people every month.
"We hope this new investment will help to modernise the facilities and attract even more visitors. We hope people will come and see the plans when they're ready and tell us what they think."