The smallest library in Wales?

Library Design Case Study

Three small libraries in North Wales — big design challenges, passionate volunteers and proof that every decision matters when space is limited.

Is Uwchaled Library in Cerrigydrudion the smallest library in Wales? There’s been a library in this village for more than 60 years and it plays a vital role in this small community of less than 1500 people, 70% of them Welsh-speaking.

You might think a small library is easier to design than a large one – you’d be wrong! Fitting everything into a small space, while keeping a feeling of openness, is a real challenge. And then there’s the fact that a vital space in a small community will need to double up for meetings of all kinds so it must be flexible. Plus if this library is important to the community, and run by volunteers, you will meet passionate people with ambitious desires and aspirations to get the best from what is likely to be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to create the library of their dreams.

If we weren’t aware of all the above already, winning the tender to refurbish three small libraries in North Wales gave us the proof. We met with each of the volunteer committees on different occasions and discussed in detail what they wanted. We visited sites and discussed the building works planned and how these might link with the interior design. We planned the stock, IT services and operation with staff from Conwy Borough County Council who manage the library service. We discussed furniture and colour choices in detail with trustees and users. Small these libraries may be, but every decision was important.

The result when the libraries re-opened after Opening the Book’s fitout made this one of the most rewarding projects we have ever worked on. How important are small libraries? This project in North Wales proved they really matter.

Here are reactions from the key people involved.

We're absolutely delighted with our refurbished Community Library in Llanfairfechan. The space seems so much bigger than before, and the new furniture showcases the library stock so much more effectively.

Library users have been unanimous in their appreciation. Footfall is well above previous levels. Meanwhile, the Friends of the Library - who are responsible for the running costs of the building - can take advantage of the flexible design to rearrange the space as necessary for community groups who want to hire the library for their activities. We're all winners!

Huw Lloyd Jones

Project Manager, New Chapters and Chair, Friends of Llanfairfechan Community Library

Opening The Book were a pleasure to work with, their expertise and knowledge both in the design and fitting were second to none.

We were very pleased with the colours that we chose, the library looks very bright and cheerful with lots of reflective light from the muted colour scheme. Thank you once again from the trustees and very happy customers.

Morris F Jones

Chair of Friends of Kinmel Bay Community Library

Roedd yn bleser cael cydweithio efo Opening the Book. Mae’r silffoedd a’r dodrefn o safon uchel ac mae’r gwaith wedi trawsnewid y llyfrgell bychan yma gan wneud y gorau o bob rhan o’r adeilad. Mae’n ofod cynnes, modern a chroesawgar sy’n cynnig hafan i bobl o bob oed er mwyn mwynhau darllen a chymdeithasu.

Working with Opening the Book was a pleasure from start to finish. The fittings are of a high standard and have completely transformed the library, utilising all parts of the space available. It is now a warm, modern, welcoming environment offering a haven for residents, young and old, to enjoy reading and socialising in comfort.

Cynghorydd/Councillor Gwennol Ellis

Uwchaled Library, Cerrigydrudion

Llanfairfechan: Merchandising children’s books

And also from the library staff:

I am sincerely grateful to you all for your support, our transformed community libraries and enthused staff following training. Conwy Library service is delighted to have such positive feedback from library customers – old and new - to the professionally designed libraries at Uwchaled, Llanfairfechan and Kinmel Bay.

Owing to the design features incorporated by Opening the Book and smart furnishings selected in conjunction with representatives from the respective Community Library Groups customers and staff have been amazed at how much bigger these libraries now seem. On re-opening we’ve had excellent loans of library stock as they offer such a browsable and enticing space to choose books.

Sharon Morgan

Prif Lyfrgellydd a Rheolwr Gwybodaeth / Principal Librarian and Information Manager / Cyngor Bwrdeisdref Sirol CONWY County Borough Council

Training in merchandising pays off even in a library with only one display pod:

I just wanted to let you know that when we were putting the books back in Hwb Uwchaled library, I used the idea you showed us at Kinmel Bay of drawing out the narrative non-fiction, joke books, poetry books and Horrible Histories onto their own shelf at kids’ eye height in a zig zag. The local primary school is here for a first-look opening and the boys have devoured that shelf!! They’ve been reading them out loud to each other and to us and to teachers.

Everyone’s commented on how lovely it is – that it’s brighter and seems bigger, and that the Welsh books are much easier to browse, rather than being in the corner where they were before. It’s all a-buzz here, totally lovely.

Seren Medi Ashton

Rheolwr Llyfrgell / Library Manager

The project “New Chapters” was realised by the Community Library Network in Conwy, a collaborative bid to the UK Government, via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with Conwy County Borough Council Community Regeneration Key Fund. Library furnishing and fittings were fully replaced in all libraries, and significant building improvements were also completed as part of this project.