AM Welcomes Debate

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES LIBRARIES DEBATE

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s debate in the Assembly Chamber on libraries in Wales.Mr Sargeant said: “Creating a network of Welsh libraries fit for the twenty first century is a priority for the Assembly Government, so I am pleased that it is being debated in the Chamber.“The significant Assembly Government investment of recent years is really paying off, with Wales’ new and modernised libraries, such as Saltney Library, attracting more and more people to use them. Wales has the highest proportion of active public library members in the UK, at a quarter of the population are currently members. Library users across Wales make a whopping 14.5 million visits to the library each year. That’s quite an achievement.“Of course, libraries are also important centres of information for the community, and a hive of activity, hosting a variety of local groups such as mother and toddler, reading groups, book clubs and providing ICT computer training for people who want to develop new skills. With the right investment and vision, our libraries can continue to go from strength to strength.”