Plans to push forward with a project to relocate Narberth library have been welcomed by a local county councillor.

County Councillor for the Narberth Urban ward, Cllr Marc Tierney told members of the Town Council at their meeting this month that he had recently met with interested parties regarding the future proposals to move the library from its current location on St. James Street to the Town Moor.

Cllr Tierney stated that there was an opportunity now to ‘push on with the project’ and that he hoped the Town Council will remain supportive.  

A survey was launched at the end of last year, ahead of the move of the Community Library into a brand new building at the recently renovated Old School site in the town, which now also houses the ‘Hwb’ food hall in a revamp of the building.

In addition to lending books and providing computer access, the new library will also provide a space for all members of the community to use.

Narberth Community Library is run as a partnership between the Friends of Narberth Library (FONL), Narberth Town Council and Pembrokeshire County Council.

Members of the Town Council fully discussed the proposals for the new Library, and the Options outlined, which were briefly - Option 1. Narberth Town Council surrenders the head lease on the current library and enters into a long-term sub-lease on the new library; or Option 2 Narberth Town Council continues as now with the head lease of the current library.

Cllr C Meredydd proposed that the Council went with Option 1 on the proviso that a suitable lease agreement is arranged and this proposal was seconded by Cllr Lloyd.

Cllr Walters asked for an amendment to this proposal that if anything needs to be reviewed on the Lease, then this is done by the full Council at a Town Council meeting. The Council voted on this proposal and amendment and it was unanimously decided to go with Option 1.

Cllr Tierney, who is also chairman of FONL said recently: “For more than five years, our volunteer team has worked alongside Pembrokeshire County Council’s Library service to keep our local library open.

“Since then we’ve expanded opening hours and continued to recruit and train new volunteers despite the pandemic.

“If you’d like to find out how you can be more involved with the Friends of Narberth Library as a volunteer then please do get in touch – find us on facebook or visit us at the library.”

Further details are available by emailing: [email protected]