Poems, prosecco, songs and storytelling marked the beginning of a new for Newport Community Library last Saturday, July 2.

Last year the library faced possible closure and being replaced by a mobile library van due to government funding cuts.

However, a group of committed volunteers were determined that the much-loved facility should remain open and the Newport Library Working Group was set up.

As well as holding a series of fund raising events to help sustain the service, members of the group have also undergone training from Pembrokeshire County Council staff, enabling them to co-run the library with the council.

As a result the library will actually be open to the public more often, with extended opening hours being: Wednesday, 12.30pm to 6pm; Friday 10am to 2pm and Saturday 9.30am to 12.30pm.

"We have a real vision as a group that the library can more forward and become more of a community hub for Newport," said the group's chair, Kate McEvoy.

"The library is going to be the first library in Wales to become an investor in carers. Going forward we hope to do a lot more things along the same lines."

Newport County Councillor, Paul Harries, added:

"This group have done an amazing job of bringing the community together and their plans for the future are magnificent."

The next library fundraising event will be open gardens in Newport and Cilgwn on July 16 and 17. Tickets will be available from the library and cost £4 per person.