There were celebrations in Pembroke Library and Tourist Information Centre recently as they remembered 30 years of the opening of the building, having originally been the Town Slaughterhouse.

It was funded by the Welsh Office under the Rural Initiative as the Pembroke Visitor Centre and was opened on April 28, 1993 by the Rt. Hon. David Hunt.

In 2008 the Library’s lease of their location in Pembroke Main Street was coming to an end so the decision was made to join in with the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) which was to be the start of unifying both services within Pembrokeshire.

The building was extensively renovated during which time the TIC moved into the Library premises for the summer season.

In March of 2009 the present Library/TIC opened on the Commons and has been acclaimed as an inviting building with staff covering both sections, benefitting from meeting locals and visitors alike.

Since then other libraries in the county have joined with TICs providing much needed services.

An open day was recently held at the premises where refreshments were served as staff chatted to visitors and recalled how the Library Service has changed over the years.

There were also photographs on display showing how things were originally, during the refurbishment and how it is today.

These interesting pictures will be on display for the next few weeks and you are encouraged to come in and see them and see what the library has to offer now.

Pembroke Library has a great selection of books, free computer and wifi access, a children’s Lego club and a selection of tourist information. It is free to join and you can use your library card throughout Pembrokeshire.

Things will be changing again next year as the Henry Tudor Centre next to the Castle will be the new location for the Library and Visitor Centre. Where will the next 30 years take us?