Gwynedd residents can’t get enough of curling up with a good book according to the latest figures from the Council’s Library Service.
The summer’s figures showed that this August was the busiest for ten years with most Gwynedd libraries seeing an increase of 10% or more, with a total of 61,069 items borrowed during August A significant number of children and young people as well as adults visited their local libraries to borrow books, DVDs, using the public computers and taking part in a wide-range of children’s activities arranged throughout the summer holidays.
Art competitions were held, as well as a full programme of Summer Fun for Children and Families in nine libraries which attracted over 500 children to enjoy fun activities in Gwynedd Council libraries. There were opportunities to enjoy story and rhyme sessions, face painting, art workshops, weaving and a visit from Zoolab where children and families had a chance to hold small exotic animals.
Councillor Alwyn Gruffydd, Gwynedd Council’s Customer Care portfolio leader, who is responsible for libraries said: “The fact that our libraries are so busy is a testament to their importance in the local communities of which they are an integral part and shows that the service offers more than just books – with a host of resources available free of charge.
“The volume of use also confirms a recent assessment carried out by CyMAL on behalf of the Welsh Government which notes that Gwynedd Council’s Library Service has made extremely satisfactory progress over recent years, as well as the surveys of users which show constant high satisfaction.
“I certainly hope that those who have enjoyed the libraries over the summer continue to use them throughout the year and make the most of the various resources and services available. If you’re not already a member, it’s easy enough to join and there’s no fee.”
Another huge success this year was the Summer Reading Challenge – this year’s theme was Circus Stars – held at every one of Gwynedd’s libraries. Approximately 2,000 children took part in the challenge of visiting the library at least four times and reading at least four books over the summer. The competition winners will be rewarded in the coming weeks.
For more information about Gwynedd Council’s Library Service visit the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/library, and you can also follow Gwynedd Libraries for the latest news on Facebook – www.facebook.com/LlyfrgellGwyneddLibrary and Twitter – www.twitter.com/llyfrgwyneddlib
