Over £3m has been invested to help modernise the National Library
of Wales, protecting historic collections, improving visitor
spaces, boosting digital access and helping the Library reach net
zero by 2030.
The largest share of the investment - nearly £1.5m - has improved
the bookstacks where collections of national significance are
stored, securing safe, long-term preservation for millions of
historic items telling the story of Wales.
Over £500k has transformed the Library's public spaces. Visitors
will benefit from a more welcoming entrance, new exhibition
spaces and a refreshed children's play area making the library
more inclusive and family friendly.
A further £421k has helped modernise digital infrastructure,
strengthen cyber security and launch a new Data Foundry, bringing
Welsh heritage online so more people can explore it from
anywhere.
The remaining £670k supports the library's journey to net zero by
2030, improving energy efficiency and maximising the output of
newly installed solar panels.
This announcement comes alongside a £55,000 investment in public
libraries across Wales through the National Year of Reading,
ensuring resources are available to every local authority's
library and encouraging people of all ages to read for pleasure.
Minister for Culture, said:
"The National Library of Wales holds the memory of our nation,
millions of stories, documents and artefacts that belong to every
one of us. This investment ensures those treasures are protected
for generations to come, while opening the Library's doors wider
to families, communities and digital users across Wales and
beyond."
On a recent visit, the Minister saw how the wide range investment
has transformed the historic Library.
Chief Executive at the National Library of Wales, Dr
Rhodri Llwyd Morgan said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Minister to the Library and to
have the opportunity to show how the funding is making a positive
difference across a number of areas. We were pleased that
the Minister could see the significant progress with
decarbonisation and how the Library is working with local
companies for the benefit of the community as a whole. We
also showcased the work to develop new exhibition spaces as well
as improvements to the visitor and user experience.
“At the heart of the Library's mission is developing collections
that tell the story of the people of Wales and seeing
conservation work in action demonstrate the importance of
collection care.”
