Llandrindod Library will be moving from its current home at the Gwalia into the same building as Radnorshire Museum.
Powys County Council has announced that Llandrindod Library will be moving from the iconic Ithon Road building to share the museum's space, resources and staff.
The council approved the disposal of the Gwalia back in February, and will soon market the Grade II-listed building.
The Gwalia is used as Llandrindod Wells Register Office, with meeting rooms and offices over four floors. The council has not yet said what the impact of the plans would be on this service.
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Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Our libraries and museums are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. Delivering a joint service from one building means we can provide a sustainable and long-term future for both while continuing to deliver and extend the health and wellbeing benefits that libraries and museums can offer.”
“Llandrindod Library will continue to offer a good range of books in Welsh and English, digital resources, information and support around accessing council services, and Wi-Fi printing.
“Radnorshire Museum collects and cares for objects which reflect the cultural diversity and heritage of the county. Together the library and museum will organise and host a wide range of events and activities for all ages, from pre-school storytimes to dementia friendly events.”
Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells.
The move follows similar models of service delivery used in Brecon, Llanidloes and Welshpool, which the council claims will be an example of how services can be re-modelled to improve outcomes in the face of future budget pressures.
Cllr Jake Berriman, Cabinet Member for a Connected Powys, said: “We’re seeking to dispose of the Gwalia to help rationalise the number of properties we have in the town.
“Llandrindod Library started life in the current museum in 1911 as a new Carnegie public library so moving it back into the building from the Gwalia means it will continue to occupy a great town centre location. Marketing of the Gwalia will begin shortly.
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“Co-locating Llandrindod Library with the museum means opening hours can be increased, encouraging more visitors to the area.
“It is a great opportunity to create a new cultural space in the town whereby people can explore the rich history of Radnorshire, borrow a book, or look at some of our fascinating objects all under one roof.”
While a clear time frame of the move has yet to be laid out, Powys County Council added that it is expected to be completed before April 2025.
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