RESIDENTS in Caerphilly county have been urged to visit their local libraries after millions of pounds were invested in them.

A new library has opened at the former Palace cinema, Risca, Blackwood library has undergone a £200,000 transformation, while a new facility is set to open in Abercarn and the restored Newbridge Memo will incorporate a library. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries was set up last week, seeking to ensure that public sector cuts don’t devastate the provisions around the UK.

But, in Caerphilly county, the future of libraries looks bright.

After sitting derelict for 20 years, the former Palace Cinema recently reopened after undergoing a £2.25 million transformation. One of its main purposes will be to act as a library for the area.

Caerphilly council also invested £215,000 in Blackwood Library, which has recently reopened following a refit.

Work is also progressing on a new library for Abercarn.

The old facility was demolished and a newplanned facility will open later this year along with 10 residential apartments for older people on the floor above.

The £5.6 million restoration of Newbridge’s iconic Memo will also see a new library facility created there. For more information on any of these projects, call 01443 864068 or visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk