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£4 million investment in Wales’s museums, archives and libraries

Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, has announced that over £4 million in grants will be available for museums, archives and libraries services next year. Within these grants public libraries in particular will benefit from an additional £1.5 million capital funding, which will allow for the expansion of the scheme to upgrade the library network as part of the Libraries for Life programme.

Thursday 18 December 2008

The funding will give local museums and archives the opportunity to develop their services and attract new people to enjoy the treasure trove of information they provide about our culture and heritage. Library services will also be able to apply for grants to modernise library facilities, as well as for improved ICT, staff training and partnership working.

Minster for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones said:

Our museums, archives and libraries have a central role in conserving and providing access to Wales’s rich and diverse culture and heritage. I am very impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers in the sector and I am sure that they will submit high quality applications which demonstrate an innovative use this funding.

The increased funding available to modernise public libraries is part of our commitment to create a truly 21st century library network, that keeps in step with people’s needs. The results of the recent Living in Wales survey show that libraries continue to provide an important and valued service for many in our communities, providing access to books and on-line resources free of charge – a role which is perhaps even more important in these difficult economic times. Bids from the sector to this fund will mean we can make the right investments in facilities and look after this cherished service.

The grants, totalling £4,360,000 are awarded through CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales division of the Welsh Assembly Government. The closing date for applications is 23 January 2009. Details of the grant schemes are available at www.cymal.wales.gov.uk.

18 December 2008