The first new county library in Wales for more than ten years opened in Barry on 4th January 2007. Modern, colourful and welcoming the two-floor library offers state of the art facilities.

The library also includes a community room named after Philip John. Mr John dedicated his working life to the local library service and was borough librarian from 1965 to 1976. The Philip John Room and another Smaller Community Room will be used for a whole range of community activities.

The library has the largest selection of books in Vale and an extensive collection of music and DVDs. Customers can return and check out their own books using a self service checkout. The main reference library for the Vale is based on the first floor.

The library has dedicated children’s and youth areas. The children’s area includes books, computers and games consoles. The space can be arranged for a number of activities including craft workshops and storytimes. Local young people helped to design the youth area, choosing to include a television, a music listening station, computers, sofas and an artwork created by pupils of Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg.

The fist floor includes an IT suite. A computerised payment kiosk has been installed so library users can make payments without queuing at the desk. The library is also a ‘wireless hotspot’. This means registered users, working on their own laptops near to the library, perhaps in the adjacent park or library courtyard, can access the Internet through the Council’s server.