Bedwas Library has been officially reopened after a £50,000 revamp.
Work to the interior and exterior of the building took place between August and October this year.
The work is part of a wider plan by Caerphilly County Borough Council to refurbish its libraries.
Last month saw the official reopening with a book launch from Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen councillor Ray Davies.
Cllr Davies’ book on the 1984 Miners’ Strike and the work of the Rhymney Valley Miner’s Support Group.
The funds raised from the sale of ‘A Miner’s Life’ will support former miners who are in ill health due to mining-related conditions.
Cllr Davies, a veteran Labour councillor, said: “I have been asked for many years to write a book about the strike having lived in the heart of a mining community at the time.
“The book contains memories and anecdotes of how a community pulled together with a ‘united we stand, divided we fall’ ethos.”
The layout of the revamped library has been designed to maximise space and boasts new furniture, shelving and internal redecoration.
Following completion of the works in October the Newport Road library has seen a nine percent increase in the number of visitors.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning, said: “Libraries and their facilities are a key and important asset that we have invested in and it is vital that we continue to evolve the service to meet the modern day needs of our residents and our communities.”
• A copy of ‘A Miner’s Life’ costs £6 and is available from DAVIERT@caerphilly.gov.uk or telephone 02920 889514. Copies are also available from libraries in Bedwas, St Cenydd School in Trecenydd, Abertridwr, Machen, Caerphilly Visitor Centre and the Winding House Museum in New Tredegar.
