Swansea Central Library will soon relocate from the Civic Centre to Y Storfa, the city’s new community services hub taking shape at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.
The current Central Library at the Civic Centre will be closed from Monday October 20 to allow staff to prepare for the relocation.
The move will include the relocation of more than 60,000 books and thousands of other items like maps and microfilm reels, as well as the setting-up of the library services and spaces at Y Storfa.
The new library at Y Storfa will open later this year, with the exact date to be confirmed soon.
The move marks an important milestone in Swansea Council’s £1bn city centre regeneration programme, with Y Storfa bringing a wide range of services under one roof.
Other council-run services there will include those such as the contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and revenue and benefits.
There are no imminent changes to other council services due to be based at Y Storfa, although people will be kept updated.
Non-council tenants at Y Storfa are set to include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.
Y Storfa is right at the heart of Swansea city centre, close to bus routes, pedestrian thoroughfares, cycle routes, taxi ranks and car parks.
Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre, making it easier than ever to access books, digital resources, and a range of services all in one place.
The current Central Library at the Civic Centre
“This move is a key part of our wider regeneration plans that are transforming Swansea for the future.”
During the transition period, library members will still be able to use Swansea’s 16 other community libraries across the city.
Borrowed items can be returned at these branches, while online services – including eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines – remain available 24/7.
Events such as rhyme time, reading groups and digital support sessions will also be available at community libraries. All existing memberships will automatically transfer to the new Central Library at Y Storfa, and loan periods will be extended to support customers during the closure.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “The move to Y Storfa is about more than just relocating services – it’s about creating a central hub where people can learn, access support, and come together as a community.
“It’ll also combine with many other schemes to create the footfall the city centre needs to attract more shops and other businesses.
“At the same time, it allows us to progress exciting redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre site in partnership with Urban Splash.
“Swansea’s regeneration is moving forward at pace, and Y Storfa is a flagship part of that journey.”
Updates on the library move, opening dates and interim arrangements will be shared on the Swansea Council website and via the Swansea Libraries Service social media channels.