Local MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, Gerald Jones MP was pleased to join with pupils from St Marys’ RC Primary school in officially opening the new library hub in Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre.

The library hub was set up two years ago, to try and extend the service currently provided. It’s proved extremely successful, and the library service led by Principle Librarian Jane Sellwood received for a grant of £100,000 from Welsh Government to expand the existing library, providing a more extensive range of books and services.

On Monday the New facility officially opened after a performance from St Mary’s RC Primary School Choir and a speech by Gerald. Afterwards the Pupils had the opportunity to test out some of the Library’s new facilities.

Gerald was impressed with the new facilities that the £100,000 Investment from the Welsh Labour Government had provided and pleased that the pupils enjoyed. Speaking after the event he said;

“It’s fantastic news that the Merthyr Tydfil library service is expanding, especially in venues like this where there is a good footfall of people. Hopefully the hub will encourage more people to use the library service.

“I want to thank Merthyr Leisure Trust for asking me to speak at the official opening today, and I also want to thank the pupils and staff from St Mary’s Primary School for their fantastic singing. I’m glad to see that they enjoyed using the new facilities and hopefully they’ll be encouraged to come back and utilise the Library service”.

Anne Yates, from Merthyr Public Libraries was pleased that the Library at the Hub had been such a success:

“When the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust was created two years ago, it was decided to trial a small Library hub at the Merthyr Leisure Centre to promote health & well-being in the community.

“In the short time this bright new library has been in service it has been very popular, holding story and rhyme sessions for young children, a children’s Lego Club, and also a job club to aid those looking for work.

“At present the library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday but if it continues to go from strength to strength I’m sure the hours will be extended to provide a much needed public service. In these days when we hear of libraries being closed on a daily basis we are pleased to say that we are expanding the library service in Merthyr Tydfil.”