Colwyn Bay Library, opened in April 1905 with Carnegie funding as a coronation memorial, is a handsome Edwardian building featuring stained glass and mosaic details. With a children’s section (from 1933), local history collections, free Wi‑Fi, public computers, and regular events like storytime and IT workshops, it also serves as a community learning centre through its partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. Fully accessible and centrally located, it continues to be a cultural and educational hub in Colwyn Bay.
📚 Colwyn Bay Library – A Community Cornerstone Since 1905
Nestled on Woodland Road West, Colwyn Bay Library is a beloved public library housed in an elegant Edwardian building opened in April 1905 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. Financed largely by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s £3,800 grant (equivalent to over £400,000 today), the library stands as a civic memorial built by architects Booth, Chadwick & Porter and constructed by Robert Evans & Sons of Old Colwyn. It retains original decorative features such as stained-glass windows and a mosaic oak-tree design at the entrance.
The library features a children’s library, introduced in 1933, and a Welsh reference collection added in 1949—funded by proceeds from the 1947 National Eisteddfod. Extensions followed in 1962, and a major refurbishment in 2016 modernised the facility while retaining its historic character.
Today the library shares its premises with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Bay Learning Centre, offering both library and adult-community learning services.
🧰 Facilities & Services
Free Wi‑Fi, public-access computers (20 PCs with Microsoft Office), printing, scanning, and photocopying
Microfilm reader, meeting room for hire, children’s library, local history reference section (books, maps, directories)
Fully accessible facilities including disabled toilets, baby-changing, hearing induction loop, lift access and educational software like Boardmaker.
📅 Opening Hours & Events
Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri: 9:00 am–5:30 pm
Tue: 10:00–7:00 pm
Sat: 9:30 am–3:00 pm
Sun: Closed (also closed on Bank Holidays and the preceding Saturday)
Regular programming includes story time for under‑5s, IT taster sessions, drop‑in digital learning, and a monthly reading group (usually on the first Monday afternoon of each month).
🏛️ Community & Culture
For decades, Colwyn Bay Library has served as more than a reading venue—it’s a cultural hub. Starting in 1935, the library hosted annual art exhibitions by local artists; a permanent exhibition gallery was installed in 2005 with Arts Council support. It continues to support regional creativity under community-oriented stewardship.
📝 Final Thoughts
Colwyn Bay Library brings together a proud historic architectural legacy and modern community services. Whether you’re researching local history, attending a craft or IT workshop, or picking up books for children, the library remains a welcoming and peaceful destination. Free to enter and rich in character, it forms the educational and cultural cornerstone of central Colwyn Bay.