Gwynedd to Lead National Library Project

Library services across Wales will be transformed as a result of a new system funded by the Welsh Government and led by Cyngor Gwynedd.

This will mean that one system will be available along with an app to browse the books and audiobooks catalogue, as well as to order or renew items, which will ensure a good quality offer will be developed for all.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “The new system is effectively a national digital platform for Libraries in Wales, and is an ambitious and truly innovative project that we are delighted to be leading.”

“We welcome the announcement by the Welsh Government of £900,000 to fund the system which will be rolled out to all 22 local authorities in Wales. As well as bringing huge improvements to library users, it will also offer cost savings because it reduces the duplication associated with managing different library systems across Wales and allows libraries to recommend books for readers to read and ultimately share stock with each other more efficiently.

Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd Libraries Manager and project leader, said: “Libraries ensure that information and culture are within everyone’s reach, but they also do much more than that. They provide access to e-resources and home delivery services that are particularly valuable to those unable to visit their library, as well as access to computers and cloud printing, and also support to refer people to services of all kinds, which is particularly valuable at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living.”

“We also provide a welcoming venue for a wide range of resources, including Reading Well and health and well-being books. Libraries also provide a wide range of outreach and engagement activities, encouraging early years literacy through baby rhyme and family story times, reading clubs and Warm Spaces.

“Libraries also offer an on-demand home delivery service that helps connect communities and tackle social isolation.”

As there was a requirement to tender for a new system, councils across Wales decided to work together with a central system development team, and Gwynedd agreed to act as Lead Authority on this transformational project.

Once in place, the new system will enable library services to collaborate on other developments in the future, such as a single library card for Wales.

The new system will come into force in 2024.