ABERGELE Library is one of 16 libraries in Wales that will get a major makeover as part of a programme of upgrading Wales' network of public libraries.
Welsh Assembly Heritage Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas announced that £2.5 million would be invested in Welsh libraries this year, including £1.5 million for upgrading library buildings.
As part of the windfall Abergele will receive £100,000 to refur
bish the interior of the library, and improving access to the library.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas made the announcement while re-opening facilities at Cwmbran Library, which received a grant of £100,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government's Community Learning Libraries capital programme last year. The Minister also confirmed that in 2009 and in 2010 the funding available for library modernisation projects will rise to £3 million a year. It is estimated that this continued investment will result in improvements to around 20 per cent of Welsh libraries by 2011.
And the good news is that the investment is paying off, and that modernised libraries are attracting more people to use them.
Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "Creating a network of Welsh libraries fit for the twenty first century is a priority for this Government, and a pledge in our One Wales programme of Government. Libraries are important for our communities. Books are still the core business for our libraries, and over 14.1 million books were borrowed last year.
"But they are also important centres of information for the community, and a hive of activity, hosting mother and toddler reading groups, book clubs and providing ICT computer training for people who want to develop new skills."
"Research commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government did however show that the poor state of many of Wales' libraries was a turn-off for people. But when they are modernised and upgraded, more people use them. For example, Gorseinon Library received a grant of £100,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government last year, and in the month following the re-opening visits were up by 9% and issues up by 19 per cent. "
In addition to the capital investment, the Welsh Assembly Government is investing £1 million annually in developing on-line services, greater partnership working between libraries, marketing libraries and in developing the skills of library staff.
The investment in libraries is part of the Welsh Assembly Government Libraries for Life strategy, to be published in May.
The full article contains 405 words and appears in Rhyl Journal newspaper.
