© Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales
Libraries are hubs of the community. There are more visitors to libraries than to football matches, theatres or cinemas, put together!
Libraries are public spaces where people can borrow books, music and films, search the internet, find out information or participate in events. Public libraries in Wales all deliver the following entitlements to their citizens:
- Free to join
- Borrow books for free
- Free reservation of requests for books within Wales
- Borrow anywhere, return anywhere in Wales
- No overdue charges for children
- Free use of the Internet and computers
- Free use of online information resources
- Friendly staff on hand to help
The WLGA works closely with CyMAL to help develop high standards of provision through our museums, archives and libraries. The “Libraries for Life: Delivering a Modern Library Service for Wales 2008-11” is the main strategic programme to improve library services in Wales.
Local authority archive services are collections of unique records in their care that document the community’s identity. They celebrate the people, places and events that shaped the region. It’s not just paper documents such as births, marriages and death registers. Local authority collections also contain photographs, maps, plans, prints, drawings, recordings, microfilm and digital records from private and public sources.
Local authorities are legally responsible to look after their records, and are charged by local government acts to ‘make proper arrangements’. There are 13 local authority archive services covering the whole of Wales.
Museums play an important part in preserving local history and sharing the stories of our past with our communities and visitors alike. Museums provide education, entertainment and a sense of belonging whilst also providing jobs in their locality. There are an estimated 55 local authority owned museums in Wales.
CyMAL launched the first ever Museum strategy for Wales in 2010 and will look to improve museum services in the areas identified by three key principles:
- Museums for everyone: Museums will provide lifelong learning opportunities for all
- A collection for the nation: Museums will hold and develop collections which represent our rich and diverse culture.
- Working effectively: Museums will manage their sites, operations and people more effectively to provide relevant, robust and sustainable services.