A NEW chapter was written when Pontypool library was officially opened after its makeover.

Assembly Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage,Huw Lewis, opened the state-of-the-art library on September 15.

The major work carried out at the popular library was made possible after a £300,000 Community Learning Libraries Development Fund grant from the Welsh Government.

The Minister was shown around the new look library that provides a more comfortable and contemporary environment for its customers.

There is a more open layout on the ground floor, and the basement, which had previously only been accessible to staff, has been brought into public use as a computer suite and community meeting room. The library now has a disabled lift to the basement level.

Huw LewisAMsaid: “The library in Pontypool has been developed specifically with the public in mind, creating an attractive space and modern services which reflect the needs of library users today.

“I am delighted that Welsh Government funds have helped develop the space and create a wider package of services available to the public. I hope this will encourage more people to use Pontypool Library.”

Deputy leader of Torfaen council, Councillor Lewis Jones, added: “It gives me a great pleasure to be able to welcome the new minister to visit this impressive facility.

“The transformation carried out at the popular library is unbelievable and the people of Pontypool and the surrounding areas have a facility they can be truly proud of.”