BALA Library has reopened its doors after a £120,000 facelift.

The new-look library officially reopened to the public on Friday.

The library returns to its original location on the site of Ysgol y Berwyn in the town following a temporary relocation to the Penllyn Leisure Centre whilst refurbishment work was taking place.

The library will be part of the wider learning campus development currently being constructed on the site, and will be a focal point for community events in the area.

Cllr Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “We are extremely pleased to see the new and improved library opening in Y Bala. The library now has improved facilities, and offers a friendly and welcoming resource to all visitors, including a meeting room for activities and a more engaging children’s section.

"The library is situated on the new learning campus site, and it will be a focal point in the area where local people and children can come together for community events. This multi-purpose space in Bala Library will not only provide an excellent library for local residents, but also for children and young people from three to 18 years of age who will be educated on the campus site.

"It is also good to note that over half of Bala Library’s book loans are books for children and young adults, and of those, half are Welsh language books”.

During the official opening, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sports, Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM noted: “I am delighted to officially reopen Y Bala Library today. It is wonderful to see public bodies - the school, the Library and the new learning campus - co-located in this way which combines learning opportunities for all.

"The new Library is modern and welcoming, with a variety of facilities and services available.

"Besides being an attractive place to learn, it also opens doors for opportunities to get involved in our culture or to relax with a book or to use the computers. I am very pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to support the newly renovated Bala Library through its Transformation Fund for museums, archives and libraries.”

The refurbishment was funded by a grant from the Welsh Government’s Capital Grants Programme for Libraries.

The new library offers a contemporary, attractive space for all residents of the Penllyn area including a flexible space for various library activities using moveable furniture and shelves.

It also includes computers that are available to be used by the public free of charge, along with help on how to go online, and electronic resources including e-books, e-magazines and e-comics.

It will also offer self-service for those who want to check books in or out quickly.