Wrexham Library Service Team wins top prize in the CILIP Cymru Wales Team
of the Year Award 2025 for their work in acting as a focal point in growing the
Welsh language and actively preserving and celebrating local heritage and
culture.
About CILIP Cymru Wales Library Team of the Year Award
CILIP Cymru Wales has been celebrating the incredible achievements of library and information teams working across Wales since 2020.
Entries are welcome from all sectors, from teams working across different organisations, and from teams of all shapes and sizes. Nominations can describe special achievements such as instigating innovative projects, embracing new ways of working or resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
A large number of nominations were received, with eight teams put forward for their inspiring work.
CILIP Cymru Wales Chair, Jamie Finch, was delighted with the entries:
“It is my absolute pleasure to read the submissions of these eight entrant teams from across Wales, north and south. Our Award both shines a light on the creative, hard-working, and forward-thinking library teams we have in Wales, and helps celebrate their achievements. Libraries are here for every stage of life in their communities, making sense of AI, supporting the National Eisteddfod, evidence-based healthcare, and more. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
About CILIP Cymru Wales Library Team of the Year Award Winners
Wrexham Library Service Team were commended by the judges for playing an important role in strengthening Wrexham’s unique Welsh identity, acting as a focal point for raising awareness of Welsh culture and increasing opportunities to use the language.
During the National Eisteddfod 2025 held in Wrexham, the library service organised a variety of engaging supporting events including hosting an exhibition of the Eisteddfod’s Crown and Chair, allowing residents and visitors to view the physical symbols of the festival’s main literary competitions.
Library team members gave Welsh language children’s story sessions on ‘the Maes’ at the Eisteddfod site and hosted a visit to the Library from Magi Ann to promote the Eisteddfod during their regular ‘Stori a chan’ bilingual story and rhyme sessions.
In partnership with RhAG: Parents for Welsh Medium Education and the groups they work with, the library service organised a tour of the impressive Eisteddfod Croeso sign across Wrexham libraries to promote the important work of RhAG.
Throughout the year, activities for the existing Welsh-speaking community and for learners included reading groups and ‘Sgwrs Cymraeg’ conversational sessions with partner organisations. The Wrexham Carnival of Words Literary festival was held at Wrexham City Library in April and featured both local and Welsh language authors. One of its most popular events was ‘Love Letters to Wrexham’, featuring a panel of Welsh writers discussing their memorable books and blog posts dedicated to their passion for Wrexham and the surrounding areas in North Wales.
Beyond language, Wrexham Library Service was also an important space for connecting residents with their rich local and national heritage and culture.
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead member with responsibility for libraries, said:
“The team at Wrexham Library Service always works hard for our customers and to be recognised for our contribution to growing the Welsh language and preserving our Welsh heritage is phenomenal.
“The team always comes together, particularly in challenging times, for the benefit of our communities – offering activities and library stock to increase knowledge and understanding of our Welsh language and culture. This year has seen new and successful partnerships being formed which will continue for years to come. The dedication of the team is simply amazing – always creative, going beyond what is expected of them and always ready for a challenge.”
Second place was awarded to the NPTC Library Service Team for their Planning & Creating a Podcast service, offering a creative and inclusive approach to digital literacy development for Further Education students.
Third place was awarded to the Llyfrgell + Team at Coleg Menai Bangor for their transformational work in launching their LibraryPlus facilities partnership with Learner Services, and the Additional Learning Needs Team.
Also Commended was Aberystwyth University’s Academic Engagement Team for their design and delivery of a bilingual fully accessible and inclusive AI Literacy Course.
The judges praised the high standard, quality of service provision and commitment displayed by all eight applications which came from library services from across Wales.
All winning teams and nominated teams will be honoured at the upcoming CILIP Wales celebratory webinar on 14th January.
If you are considering nominating a team for 2026 and want to know more about the criteria, visit the CILIP Cymru Awards Nominations page. Nominations will open in September 2026.
This award is sponsored by the Welsh Government and CILIP Wales. The winners receive a trophy and £500.