Minister for Heritage Alun Ffred Jones has today (28 March) announced an investment of £2.8 million in grants to develop the work of libraries, museums and archives across Wales.

The funding supports a range of projects that vary from large scale modernisation of public library buildings to supporting volunteer-run museums.

And this year a number of schemes to support innovation and educational activities have received funding.

Alun Ffred Jones said, “I am delighted to announce this investment which will improve public access to the rich collections of our local museums, archives and libraries.

“People are at the centre of our vision for the preservation of our rich and proud history. These grants will help museums and archives across the country to enhance their work in preserving and presenting our heritage through conservation work, and developing new exhibitions, online resources and educational activities that will bring the collections alive for a new generation of people.

“Central to this investment is the ongoing modernisation of our public libraries to appeal to new audiences by providing new services alongside the ever popular books in a modern attractive environment. The grants will also support the development of partnership working between libraries across Wales to improve access to their collection.”

Libraries

Nine public libraries share £1,470,172 in capital grants for modernisation work. The grants are part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Learning Libraries capital programme which aims to attract more people to use improved facilities and services at libraries. This money supports two One Wales commitments to develop, promote and modernise the public library network and develop the use of information technology in libraries.

A further £858,075 in revenue funding has been allocated to develop the work of libraries in Wales, including grants to 17 library projects ranging from developing literacy, information skills, partnership working, online services and encouraging more people to visit libraries.

Museums

A total of £346, 515 has been allocated for 28 projects involving museums across Wales. These range from £1,691 for the conservation of oil paintings at the volunteer run Barmouth Sailors’ Institute to £30,031 for a project officer to create content for the People’s Collection in north east Wales.

Grants include:

• £15,450 for Ceredigion Museum on a project to increase knowledge and understanding of traditional Welsh costume.
• £20,941 for the National Trust for materials and seminars to enable museums, libraries and archives across Wales to support the Welsh Baccalaureate.
• £8,862 for a project to explore opportunities for displaying museum collections in non-traditional venues across Torfaen.

Archives

A range of archive projects from across Wales will share a total of £106,482 to develop access to archive collections. This includes all-Wales partnership initiatives to promote the value of Welsh business archives through exhibition and other activities, and vital work to develop strategies for the preservation of digital archives.

Grants include:

• £17,192 to support Ceredigion Archives to prepare its collection for the move to a new shared facility with Aberystwyth Library.

• £15,500 for public service enhancement at the new Isle of Anglesey Record Office.

• £6,952 for a volunteer project to extend access through development of an electronic catalogue for the new Gwent Archives.

For more information please contact Matthew Pritchard on 029 2089 8980.

Notes for editors

The grants are administered by CyMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales division of the Welsh Assembly Government based in Aberystwyth.

Modernising Welsh Public Libraries

Modernising public library buildings in Wales is a One Wales commitment and the following libraries have received funding for the next financial year.