MEMBERS of the public are being invited to come and see the new and improved Flint Library after its huge transformation.

The Library doors reopened to the public on January 20 following a programme of upgrades.

In 2019, Aura Leisure and Libraries secured £300,000 of funding for improvement works at Flint Library through a successful capital grant application to the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division (MALD).

In addition to the £300,000, both Aura and Flintshire Council contributed to the development, totalling £360,000 in new investment.

This funding has well and truly transformed the library, which is now host to a community kitchen and heritage exhibition area.

The children’s library, training rooms and main library, have also been redesigned and renovated in order to create more flexible community spaces.

Along with the refurbishments, Aura has implemented brand new self-service machines and updated the library’s ICT facilities to improve and modernise its digital provision.

Delighted by the reopening of the library, Aura’s managing director Mike Welch said: “As a Flint resident, I am really excited about the transformation of Flint Library.

“I use the Library regularly and I am especially looking forward to seeing how the community kitchen and renovated training rooms are utilised: both of these features will greatly benefit our library provision.”

Flintshire Council leader Ian Roberts expressed his enthusiasm about the development, saying: “I’m very pleased to hear that Flint Library has reopened after its development, which represents another positive step in Aura and Flintshire County Council’s ongoing partnership.

“The building has been renovated into a vibrant hub and is a huge asset to the town; I look forward to seeing what its future holds.”

Library manager Susannah Hill similarly expressed her excitement, adding: “Now that the library doors have reopened, we will be able to deliver our services in new ways and offer much more to the Flint community.

“The library is now a modern and flexible space to explore stories and information, allowing us to offer a variety of activities and events for everyone.

“It’s been wonderful to see the reaction from the local community so far.”

The official reopening of the library will take place on March 5, coinciding with Aura Libraries’ celebration of World Book Day.