Gwynedd Libraries Services Vision

A public service which is at the heart of communities across Gwynedd has set out its vision which will be its foundation for the next five years.

 

The Gwynedd Library Service Plan – Living Libraries 2023-2028 – has been approved by the Council’s Cabinet and ensures that the county’s libraries are vibrant spaces where people can learn, create and socialise.

 

Adapting with the times and using all mediums available is vital as the service supports people to share information and ideas. In addition, helping people to reduce their impact on our fragile environment is front and centre of the activities and services available at Gwynedd libraries.

 

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Deputy Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd and Cabinet Member responsible for Library Services said:

 

“This report is a requirement of the Public Libraries Standards of Wales’s assessment framework and I’m delighted to have a taste of the many services on offer in our libraries within this document.

 

“It’s fantastic to see how the libraries benefits our communities, for instance over the last year there were more than 29,000 members of Gwynedd Libraries, borrowing more than 186,000 books and downloading nearly 60,000 electronic items. If ever there needs to be proof that libraries are exciting places which remain relevant in the modern era, these figures speak volumes.”

 

Some highlights of the report are:

• Delivery Service – The library service can deliver books and other items for free to the homes of people who cannot reach the library themselves, for whatever reason. It is possible to register and choose items online or by getting in touch with your library overt the phone or via e-mail.

 

• Development of the Library of Things – People can borrow useful things for their homes and more, for example, tools, electrical items and toys. It saves money and is less harmful to the environment than buying new and using only once. The library, known as Petha, will be available at the Dyffryn Ogwen, Penygroes and Blaenau Ffestiniog Libraries.

 

• Improving Penygroes Library – Thanks to the grant from the Welsh Government Transformation Capital Grant Scheme, the space at Penygroes Library will be improved and improvements at the Dyffryn Ogwen library will also include a new wellbeing garden.

 

• Creating VR hubs in Caernarfon and Penygroes Libraries – Which offer technical experiences that create a reaction and interest in users.

 

• Offering 1:1 digital support sessions – An opportunity for people to receive face-to-face support on digital matters, either at the Library or at home at the request of Librarians.

 

• Providing free period products – Available to Gwynedd residents in all libraries in the county as a way of tackling period poverty and to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of products which can be re-used

 

• Better Reading for mental health – Providing useful information and support to control common mental health issues, or for dealing with difficult feelings and experiences.

For more information regarding Gwynedd libraries, which includes location and opening times at each local library, head to the website www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/library. The Living Libraries Plan is also available on the Council website, go to: Living Libraries - Gwynedd Libraries Plan 2023-28.pdf (llyw.cymru)