Historic Merthyr Tydfil Library officially re-opened following refurbishment

Treharris Library in Merthyr Tydfil has been officially re-opened following refurbishment – 117 years after it was originally opened in 1909.

The event on Friday 20^th March saw The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Mid-Glamorgan and Dawn Bowden MS, join local Councillors and officers for the opening, with pupils from Edwardsville Primary School serenading those in attendance.

Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said: “When the library closed in November 2021, the building was falling into a state of disrepair, so to see it now following extensive internal and external refurbishment is just wonderful.

“It was particularly fitting that the Huw Evans, the great grandson, of Alderman Andrew Wilson, who originally opened the library in 1909, was there to witness the re-opening.

“I really hope this wonderful facility will be a huge benefit to the community, and I’m looking forward to seeing it being well-used in the future.”

Dawn Bowden, MS, said: “It is a real pleasure that one of my final duties as your Member of the Senedd is to officially re-open the library.

“During my time as MS I have stood beneath the war memorial clock at many Remembrance events, so it’s wonderful to see it back in such great condition, looking fit for the Century to come. But it’s not just about the clock, or this fantastic building – the library is at the heart of this community and it’s a moment I know many local residents have been looking forward to.”

Linsey Barrett, Principal Librarian, said “We’re really excited to give the residents of Treharris a library that they can enjoy with their families. We hope it will become a hub for the community, enjoyed by all generations.”

The much-needed refurbishment has included the demolition of a structurally unsafe extension, new state-of-the-art heating, mechanical ventilation throughout, the extensive refurbishment of stained-glass windows, the refurbishment of the historic external clock, improvements to make the building more accessible, and much more.

The library opens to the public from Monday 30^th March in time for the school Easter break. It will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am – 5pm (closed for lunch 1-2pm).