Two libraries set to open in Deeside on Friday

Mancot Library will officially open on Friday, 4th March say a community group set up to save it.

The library has been saved from closure by the group after months of hard work and negotiations with Flintshire County Council.

The council had proposed to close the library along with Queensferry and Hawarden libraries in a series of cost saving measures due to the financial squeeze on budget however, the community group ‘Friends of Mancot Library’ stepped into to save the vital community asset.

Meanwhile to the new Deeside Leisure Centre library hub which has been developed to replace the three community libraries earmarked for closure will also officially open on Friday.

Aaron Shotton / Twitter

Flintshire County Councillors popped down to inspect the major improvements to the front of the leisure centre.

The new hub is part of a £250,000 investment in Deeside Leisure Centre, with major funding contributions coming from Welsh Government .

The library is situated next to the café and foyer areas of the leisure centre and with investment from the Vibrant and Viable work is also taking place on the  front of the leisure centre to make it more accessible, safer and attractive to enter while the reception area will link better to the new library.

Cllr Aaron Shotton, Leader of the Council, said:

“Deeside Leisure Centre and Library is a major attraction in Flintshire and the new library along with the major improvements to the front and reception will ensure it is an attractive place to visit and remains a local landmark.”

Cllr Chris Bithell, Cabinet Member for Education, said:

“We are delighted to that the new library will be operational from this week. The library is available for use for all the hours that the leisure centre is open. There will be access to the books and the computers with self-service facilities. The library has been funded by the Welsh Government as part of a programme to support the modernisation of libraries and co-location of libraries with other services in the community.”

For more information on the new Deeside library hub contact Pennie Corbett, Principal Libraries and Arts Officer email [email protected]