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Rhymney residents have had to wait almost whole year for their library to reopen, after countless setbacks, mainly due to vandalism, but the wait is now over.

Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Mike Adams attended the library on Monday January 8 to cut the ribbon and officially declare the library open, after the council spent £400,000 on refurbishing the building with the help of a Welsh Government grant.

The library was initially due to reopen in the summer of 2023, before being pushed back until September, then January.

The new improvements include a refurbished first and second floor, improved Wi-fi, and private meeting rooms. The council added that decisions were made based on feedback from a community survey.

A range of council support services will also be available at the library, including Caerphilly Cares, the council tax team, benefits team, and employment engagement team.

The first floor has been developed into the ‘Idris Davies Community Learning Hub’, according to the council, who plan on using the space to support the Welsh language.

The last Rhymney Library refurbishment happened in 2009, having first opened back in the 1970s.

Cllr Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities commented: “I am delighted that Rhymney Library Hub has reopened and that residents of the county borough will be able to experience the additional benefits that Rhymney Library Hub will deliver to the local community.

“As well as the fantastic library, residents will be able to benefit from access to several council support services. Rhymney Library has historically always served as a hub for the community, but the improvements to the facility will now allow for this crucial resource to become so much more.”

The library has reopened without an operating lift, but has said those with limited mobility will have services moved downstairs until a new lift is installed.