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Rhymney library will be closed for at least two months while a £400,000 refurbishment takes place. 

The works started on the first floor in January this year, with work on the ground floor now starting.

A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Whilst the building work has been ongoing on the first floor of the building, we’ve kept the ground floor open for an extra ten weeks to allow residents access to the full range of library services.  

“The library closed on Monday, March 20 for the furniture refit on the first floor and extensive building work to the ground floor.

“We anticipate the library will remain closed until June although no official re-opening date has been agreed.”

While the library is closed, services are continuing to run in Bargoed and New Tredegar libraries. Online services are also available, including the order and collect service and the eDigital services.

Rhymney Library also hosts a number of classes and groups, which will need to find alternative premises for the time being. 

Some groups already have this organised – with the Welsh-speaking group, Caffi Croeso, temporarily moving to Penuel Chapel.

In relation to group meetings, the council spokesperson said: “For information on where the groups will meet whilst closed, it’s best to ring the library directly on 01685 840606.”

What are the improvements?

The improvements will cost more than £400,000 with funding from the Transformation capital grant programme administered by the Welsh Government, as well as the council’s Library Service and Place Shaping fund.

The last library refurbishment happened in 2009, having first opening back in the 1970s.

In a post on Twitter, Caerphilly Libraries said the library would become “a community and support hub for residents”. 

The ground floor will be the main lending area in the library and will include a new seating area where people can come and work, as well as a place for small refreshments.

The first floor will become the ‘Idris Davies Community Learning Hub’. This will be a learning space with laptops, an interactive whiteboard and modern furniture. Three office spaces will also be available for private meetings and for residents to use. 

Upgraded internet access and two electric vehicle charging points will be installed in the car park.