Project Overview
Aberaeron, a well‑loved seaside town on the Ceredigion coast, is known for its colourful Georgian terraces, bustling harbour, and strong community spirit. When Ceredigion County Council confirmed the relocation of the town’s library to Penmorfa, their shared council services building, the vision was clear: create a modern, versatile, and welcoming community space that reflects the character of the town and meets the needs of today’s library users.
The move formed part of a wider investment in improving and modernising library provision across the county, ensuring better access to resources, more space for community activities, and a more inclusive environment for all ages. – https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/
Design Intent & Approach
The relocation offered a significantly larger, more open‑plan footprint, complete with front‑elevation windows overlooking the stunning Cardigan Bay coastline. Our design made the most of this natural asset, creating a bright, airy interior that feels connected to the town’s landscape.
Drawing Inspiration from the Coast
To give the space a sense of place, we specified light, textured wood‑grain finishes, complemented by vibrant accent colours that subtly reference Aberaeron’s iconic pastel seafront houses. The result is a calming palette with uplifting touches that encourage exploration and comfort.
Along the coastal‑facing windows, we installed high‑back soft seating, positioned conveniently beside power outlets to support device use while offering some of the best sea views in the building. This area has quickly become a favourite spot for reading, working, and quiet contemplation.
The Children’s Library
One of the standout features of the new library is the beach‑hut‑themed children’s area, a playful nod to the colourful architectural style found throughout the town. The back wall features bespoke coastal‑themed graphics, creating an immersive environment that sparks curiosity and imagination.
The layout was designed to ensure the children’s library is highly visible from the main entrance, instantly drawing visitors in. Bold colours, accessible shelving, and bespoke furniture create a warm, inclusive environment that encourages young readers to explore and engage.
Accessibility & Flexibility
Across the entire scheme, we prioritised:
- Ergonomic seating for comfort and posture support
- Adaptable zones that allow community use, events, and everyday browsing to coexist
- Clear sightlines and intuitive layouts that make navigation easy for all ages and abilities
These considerations support Ceredigion’s ambition to offer a modern, accessible library able to meet evolving community needs, an objective highlighted during the council’s announcement of the relocation. – https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/
Beyond the Library: Offices, Reception & Community Meeting Space
In addition to the main library floor, we supplied new furniture for:
- The main reception area
- Two staff office spaces within the library
- A flexible community meeting room, featuring:
- Tilt‑top mobile tables
- Stacking chairs
- Versatile storage solutions
- Stunning large‑format wall graphics inspired by the local area
These supplementary spaces ensure the library functions effectively as a truly multi‑use public resource within Penmorfa.
A Community‑Centred Outcome
This project demonstrates how a small town with around 1,200 residents can create a future‑focused, community‑centred facility that celebrates local identity while attracting visitors from across the county. The new Aberaeron Library is not just a relocation – it is a reinvention, providing a brighter, larger, and more
Get inspired with Aberaeron Library
