DENBIGH Library has received its official reopening ceremony in what is hoped to be a landmark day for the town’s community.

Following a £120,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division in collaboration with Denbighshire County Council (DCC), the library has been updated with modern facilities with the hope that it will remain at the centre of the older community and attract younger audiences.

The ceremony was attended by Lord Elis-Thomas, minister for culture, tourism and sport; Peter Scott, chair of DCC; Richard Mainon, DCC’s lead member for developing community infrastructure; Mark Young, county councillor for Denbigh; Catherine Jones, the mayor of Denbigh; and town councillors Rhys Thomas and Glenn Swingler amongst other local dignitaries.

The library has been modernised whilst careful attempt was made to maintain the sixteenth century building’s historic character, which includes a row of original pillars on the first floor.

The improvements made to the library since the refurbishment began in February this year include an IT learning and educational zone, self-service computers to access council and partner services, a refurbished meeting room, a redesigned children’s zone, a new exhibition of historical items and information, and modern shelving, furniture and flooring.

The Welsh Government funding is part of a £1.5million investment in libraries across Wales, which will also see works at St Asaph, Ruthin, Corwen and Llangollen.

Lord Elis -Thomas, who delivered a poem on the ability of libraries to lift communities, said: “I’m delighted to visit the new development in Denbigh as we prepare to celebrate what our libraries can offer communities across Wales. Over the past year, I’ve seen first-hand the improvements the Welsh Government’s transformation fund has already made in creating bright, modern and welcoming spaces for everyone.

“The Welsh Government remains committed to supporting these important services which promote cultural engagement, provide learning opportunities and support community cohesion and prosperity – and play a key role in our wellbeing.”

Also speaking at the opening, Cllr Mainon said: “I’m pleased that Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government have realised the importance of having a community hub facility like this right at the heart of Denbigh.

“Libraries are enjoyed by people that realise if you invest a little bit of time in the process of finding things out, rather than on our phones, laptops and iPads, you can enjoy the whole experience of discovering answers.

“To do that, these places need to be open, warm, inviting and comfortable.”

He continued: “This also allows the children of Denbigh can be encouraged to be all that they can be by activities that happen here, so it is really important and good to see that everyone has gotten behind it.”

The facilities at the library also allow for universal credit applications, reading groups, baby and parent groups and a dementia support group can be accessed through the library services.

Bethan Hughes, principal librarian at Denbigh Library, said the opening is “a very special day” and that “the response from the local community has been fabulous”.

“This is a first-class reading service for the community, from babies through to older members.

She added: “We hope now that people will come and use the library. It is a library for the people of Denbigh and we’re looking forward to welcoming everybody in.”

Denbigh Library is open from 9.30am til 7.30pm on Mondays, til 5.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, til 1.30pm on Thursdays, til 12.30pm on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk.