Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Libraries Service has been ranked in Welsh Government’s Ranking Table as joint 3rd place, of all 22 local authorities in Wales.

The Ranking Table is based upon the results from an all-Wales assessment for 2019/20, undertaken as part of Welsh Government’s ‘Connected and Ambitious Libraries’ framework. Caerphilly Libraries Service has moved up 2 places, since the 2018/19 assessment, to reach its current 3rd place ranking and was also found to meet all 12 of Welsh Government’s Core Entitlements.

Several strengths were identified as part of the assessment, including the service’s forward planning and strong emphasis on staff development and training, which has ensured that the service remains resilient, and has performed well despite many challenges.

The service has also seen an increase in library membership and a strong increase in the use of e-resources. The assessment also highlighted an excellent range of resources for young people and children in the Caerphilly county borough.

Cllr Ross Whiting, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure, said “The assessment demonstrates that, despite many difficulties, Caerphilly Libraries Service has remained resilient and adapted to meet the needs of our communities. With 99% satisfaction rates for both customer care and customers feeling our libraries to be a safe and inclusive environment, the service is clearly valued by the local community.

We are, however, committed to continuous improvement and will carry on building upon these successes.

I’d like to thank staff for their professionalism and dedication in continuing to deliver a high-quality service during such challenging times.”