A FUNDING boost aims to transform a local library for the benefit of the whole community.

Aura Wales recently secured £300,000 of funding for improvement works at Flint Library which was through a successful capital grant application to the Welsh Government's Museums, Archives and Libraries

In addition to the £300,000, both Aura Wales and Flintshire Country Council will also contribute to the development, totalling £360,000 in new investment.

The funding boost aims to transform the library, making it a more flexible space where the community can benefit in lots of different ways. Work will begin in September 2019 and will include a community kitchen, a heritage exhibition area and space for a community garden.

Flint Town Councillor Michelle Perfect said: "This is a really positive development and much welcomed investment into Flint Library. This funding will make the library into a vibrant hub for the whole of the town and I look forward to seeing its potential being realised."

The current training rooms and main library will also be redesigned and transformed in order to create more flexible community spaces. By incorporating these changes, Aura hopes the development will provide a well-being hub, aiding us in achieving our purpose of helping the community through the provision of culture and leisure opportunities that improve mental health and physical well-being.

Library manager, Susannah Hill, added: "The library transformation will enable us to deliver our services in new ways and offer much more to the Flint community. The library will become a more modern and flexible space to explore stories and information and allow us to offer a variety of activities and events for everyone."

The library will be refurbished and modernised to include self-service machines and updated ICT and digital services. The development’s design will also highlight Aura’s commitment to becoming a Dementia Friendly organisation.

A current Flint Library user said: "As a Flint resident, I am really excited about the new development at Flint Library. I use the Library regularly as it is and am especially looking forward to getting involved with the community garden."

This funding represents an exciting new opportunity for Aura Wales as we continue our mission as a not-for-profit organisation, benefitting the community of Flintshire.