Swansea’s Central Library is set to leave its long‑time home at the Civic Centre next month, with the council confirming the building will close from Monday 20 October ahead of a move to Y Storfa, the new community services hub being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.
The authority says more than 60,000 books, along with maps, microfilm reels and other resources, will be packed up and transferred to the new site. The library at Y Storfa is due to open later this year, although the exact date has not yet been announced.
Preparing for the move
During the transition, library members will still be able to use Swansea’s 16 other community libraries. Borrowed items can be returned at those branches, while online services such as eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines will remain available around the clock.
Events including rhyme time, reading groups and digital support sessions will also continue at community libraries. Memberships will automatically transfer to the new Central Library, and loan periods will be extended to support customers during the closure.
(Image: Swansea Council)
A hub at the heart of the city
Y Storfa is being described by the council as a flagship part of its £1bn city centre regeneration programme. The hub will bring together a wide range of services under one roof, including the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.
Other organisations due to be based there include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library. The location, in the heart of Oxford Street, is close to bus routes, cycle paths, 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.
“This move is a key part of our wider regeneration plans that are transforming Swansea for the future.”
(Image: Swansea Council)
Looking ahead
Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the relocation was about more than just moving books and services.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“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.
He added that the move would also help generate footfall for the city centre, supporting shops and businesses, while freeing up the Civic Centre site for redevelopment.
“Swansea’s regeneration is moving forward at pace, and Y Storfa is a flagship part of that journey.” Cllr Stewart added.
Key details
- Civic Centre library closes: Monday 20 October
- New Central Library at Y Storfa: Opening later this year (date TBC)
- Other libraries: 16 community branches remain open as normal
- Online services: eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines available 24/7
- Updates: Swansea Council website and Swansea Libraries social media
About Y Storfa
The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and is one of several schemes forming part of Swansea’s wider regeneration strategy.
