High-achieving libraries praised (From Barry And District News)

High-achieving libraries praised

THE library and information service provided by the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been praised as one of Wales' "higher achievers."

The Welsh Assembly Government's praise for the service follows its introduction of a Public Library Standards Framework - and the finding that the Council had progressed from achieving just six out of 23 standards in 2002-03 to 19 up to March last year.

Paying tribute to the staff's commitment to delivering high quality services at its libraries in Barry, Penarth, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Dinas Powys, Rhoose, St Athan, Sully and Wenvoe and through its mobile service, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning Cllr Tony Hampton said: "We have been delighted with the significant improvement achieved by the service over the last three years, especially as a number of standards very much revolve around satisfaction surveys of users, both adults and children."

The Cabinet has now agreed a three-year plan, and Chief Librarian Sian Jones said: