NEWSROOM

The funding has been awarded through the Libraries Improvement Fund by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England (ACE), following a successful bid developed by Newport Town Council in conjunction with Telford & Wrekin Council. Newport Town Council will lead on the delivery of the improvement works and is also contributing additional local funding towards the project.

The funding will support a full internal upgrade of key public areas within the library. Works will include improvements to the main library space, children’s area and meeting room, helping to ensure the building remains welcoming, accessible and fit for purpose for years to come.

Planned improvements include the replacement of doors and windows, new ceiling tiles, upgraded lighting and shelving, and full redecoration throughout. While some of the work may require temporary closures, alternative arrangements will be put in place, disruption will be kept to a minimum and library users will be kept informed throughout the programme.

Telford & Wrekin Council worked closely with Newport Town Council to secure the funding, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing valued community assets.

Newport Community Library is staffed and operated locally by Newport Town Council and forms part of Telford & Wrekin Councils wider library service, delivered in partnership. Through this arrangement, residents benefit from access to the borough‑wide library service offer, including book stock, digital resources and shared systems.

Newport Community Library continues to be a well‑used and valued facility, with over 1,500 regular users and more than 31,000 books loaned in the past twelve months, underlining its importance to the local community.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:

“We’re pleased to have worked in close partnership with Newport Town Council to secure this important funding for Newport Community Library.

“Libraries play a vital role in our communities, providing access to books, learning, digital services and social spaces for people of all ages. This investment will ensure Newport Community Library continues to meet the needs of its users and remains a welcoming, modern space at the heart of the town.”

Jo Reay, Newport Town Council Clerk, said:

“This funding is fantastic news for Newport and everyone who uses the library. We are proud to work alongside Telford & Wrekin Council to safeguard the future of Newport Community Library and invest in improvements that will benefit residents, families and community groups. The library is a vital community hub, and these improvements will make a real difference for our users. We’re delighted that this funding has been secured and look forward to welcoming visitors into an improved and refreshed space.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said:

“Libraries are more than buildings with books in, libraries are about people, ideas and opportunity. The Libraries Improvement Fund helps libraries to flourish as safe, trusted spaces for their communities. 

“We’re pleased to be supporting Telford and Wrekin Library Service with more than £235,000 to undertake a full renovation of Newport Library, which was last updated more than 25 years ago, ensuring an updated service both now and long into the future.” 

Further details about the programme of works and any temporary changes to opening hours will be shared once timescales are confirmed.