A new chapter has opened for the Gwynedd Council-run library in Dolgellau as the building has recently been given a makeover.
The Dolgellau Library is one of the busiest in Meirionnydd with more than 20,000 visitors a year.
Gone are the old-fashioned furniture and traditional bookshelves, replaced by modern fixtures and fittings aimed at making the library more comfortable and welcoming.
The changes have been supported by CyMAL – the Welsh Assembly Government division for supporting museums, archives and libraries – with the aim of developing local facilities to meet 21st century needs.
Visitors to the new look library can enjoy a wide range of facilities on top of the traditional book lending services, such as borrowing DVDs, Audio Books and Video Games.
Other services include:
- Nine public use computers
- Photocopying and scanning
- Newspapers and magazines
- Free parking
- Community room
- Free book requests
Library members can have access to on-line resources such Ancestry.com, Which? Online as well as the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the Oxford English Dictionary websites.
Hywel James, Gwynedd Council’s Principal Librarian, said:
“We have managed to create a more modern and welcoming atmosphere by installing shelves more like those you would find in a shop rather than traditional library shelving. The books have been rearranged too, to ensure that the library is open and accessible to all – both new members and current users.”
The building was last renovated in 2003, replacing the town’s old library based at the former infants’ school, and bringing it together with the reference library and the area book store. The Meirionnydd Archives and Record Office were also brought onto the same site at the time. A new car park and disabled access was introduced during this period too.
It is hoped that the new facilities will encourage more young people, and people aged between 25 to 50 in particular to use the library.
Dolgellau Library is open Monday to Saturday, full opening times are on the Gwynedd Council website, go to www.gwynedd.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 01341 422771.
