Millions to upgrade National Library of Wales
Nearly £1.5m will go towards improving the bookstacks where collections of national significance are stored
Over £3m will be invested into helping modernise the National Library of Wales- according to the Welsh Government.
The funding will aim to protect historic collections, improve visitor spaces, boost digital access and to help the Library reach net zero by 2030.
The largest share of the investment - nearly £1.5m - will go towards improving the bookstacks where collections of national significance are stored.
Minister for Culture, Jack Sargeant 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."
A further £421k will help modernise digital infrastructure, strengthen cyber security and launch a new Data Foundry.
And, the remaining £670k will support the library's 'journey to net zero by 2030', by improving energy efficiency and maximising the output of solar panels.
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.”