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Funding boost to revamp libraries Funding boost to revamp libraries
(20 minutes later)
Libraries across Wales are to get a make-over, thanks to millions of pounds worth of funding. Libraries across Wales are to get a make-over, with millions of pounds worth of funding.
A total of 16 libraries will be upgraded in a move to encourage people to make more use of them.A total of 16 libraries will be upgraded in a move to encourage people to make more use of them.
Heritage minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas will announce the funding at Cwmbran library, south east Wales. Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas will announce the funding at Cwmbran library in Torfaen.
State-of-the-art library facilities have been installed at Barry and Swansea and the new Cardiff Library is due to open next year. State-of-the-art library facilities have been installed at Barry and Swansea and the new library in central Cardiff is due to open next year.
Heritage minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: "Libraries are important for our communities, wherever you live. Books are still the core business for our libraries, and over 14.1m books were borrowed last year." Mr Thomas said: "Libraries are important for our communities, wherever you live. Books are still the core business for our libraries, and over 14.1m books were borrowed last year."
SkillsSkills
"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," he said."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," he said.
The new funding means that £2.5m would be invested in libraries this year, which includes £1.5m for upgrading current library buildings.The new funding means that £2.5m would be invested in libraries this year, which includes £1.5m for upgrading current library buildings.
The minister also said in 2009 and in 2010 the funding available will go up to £3m a year.The minister also said in 2009 and in 2010 the funding available will go up to £3m a year.
And he said research shows the poor state of Welsh libraries are a "turn-off" for people - but when they upgraded, more people use them. He said research showed the poor state of Welsh libraries was a "turn-off" for people, but when upgraded, more people used 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 nine per cent and issues up by 19 per cent." "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 nine per cent and issues up by 19%."
In recent months libraries in Gorseinon, Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent, Abertridwr in Caerphilly and Caernarfon have been upgraded. In recent months libraries in Gorseinon, Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent, Abertridwr in Caerphilly, and Caernarfon have been upgraded.
Now libraries including those in Cardigan, Tredegar, Pontarddulais and Barmouth will be on the improvement list. Now libraries, including those in Cardigan, Tredegar, Pontarddulais and Barmouth will be on the improvement list.