One of Swansea’s busiest libraries is starting a new chapter after a major refurbishment.
More than £125,000 has been spent transforming the layout at Townhill Library making it more child and user friendly, upgrading equipment and improving the range of stock on the shelves.
Work on the library, which is housed in the Phoenix Centre but run by Swansea Council, will also allow the Hill Community Development Trust to expand the crèche at the building.
The refurbishment was made possible by a grant from the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division.
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Major Projects, said: “It is great to see the library reopened and I’m sure service users will be very pleased with the improvements that have been made, many of which have been in response to customer feedback.
“The library was already a well-used and valued service in the community and I’m confident it will only go from strength to strength now this work has been completed.
“I’m particularly pleased that the focus of the improvement has been around children’s activities and events and I know that our Library team has an exciting programme of activities planned for the months ahead. Equally important to many adults will be the planned upgrading of the IT and repositioning of computer facilities.”
The refurbished library boasts a larger children’s area with interactive StoryWall, including sensory features and a reading cubby-hole.
There are new books and DVDs, improved shelving with increased display opportunities, new IT desks with free internet access and Wi-Fi and a TV screen with news and local content displays.
During the half-term week which starts on February 19 there will be an interactive animal show, a pirate storytelling and craft session, a chance to meet Cinderella while enjoying some fairy tales and an event all about life in Roman times complete with gladiators. Booking is essential so please call into the library for the full programme or phone 01792 512370.
Did you know?…
- At the last count there were 6,977 books stocked at the library which if placed end to end would circle the pitch at the Liberty Stadium four times!
- Last year there were 32,245 visits to the library with 20,820 items issued
- The youngest registered library user in Townhill was born on September 19 last year while the oldest is more than 100 years old!
Half Term Events at Townhill Library
*Booking essential as places are limited – 01792 512370*
Children under 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and supervised at all times
Monday 19 February
Into the Wild Encounters | 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Meet the Meerkats and many of their unusual and wonderful friends in this exciting interactive animal show.
Tuesday 20 February
‘The Pirate-Cruncher’ Story & Crafts | 2.30pm – 3.30pm
A tale of greedy pirates, an island full of hidden treasure and a very clever monster – followed by swashbuckling crafts.
Thursday 22 February
Happily Ever After | 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Enjoy stories and crafts in the library and meet Cinderella!
Friday 23 February
Sir Teachalot | 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Meet Aquilonius, the Roman Legionary solider, dress up in authentic Roman costumes and learn about Roman life and the Gladiators.
For more information on the Library’s ongoing programme of events from February – April please visit swansea.gov.uk/TownhillLibrary
Opening Hours
Townhill Library, The Phoenix Centre, Paradise Park,
Powys Avenue, Townhill, Swansea SA1 6PH
01792 512370 | swansea.gov.uk/TownhillLibrary
This post is also available in: Welsh
