Issue 153

University library shouts out to people

26th February 2007

Swansea City football stars, Captain Garry Monk and Izzy Iriekpen visited the University's Library last Wednesday to support a Wales-wide campaign to encourage more people to use their local library.

The month-long campaign, entitled 'Welsh Libraries - Something to Shout About', will see famous Welsh faces taking part in events at libraries across Wales to promote the many library services on offer, including free broadband access and the lending of DVDs.

When asked about the campaign, Swansea City's Captain Garry Monk said: "Swansea City Football Club is proud to add its support to the 'Welsh Libraries Something to Shout About' campaign as there is so much to offer for all the community! With free broadband access across Wales, thousands of people can freely search for information, research for school work or revise for exams. It's a real support for lifelong learning."

Swansea University Library contains around 800,000 books and receives approximately one million visits per year. Last year nearly one million items were borrowed. Although its main purpose is to serve the learning and research needs of students and staff at the University, the library is also open to members of the public. The library has been open for public use since the introduction of the 'Open to All' passport scheme in October 2005, which allows members of the public to borrow items for free.

Sara Marsh, Deputy Director of Library and Information Services in the University commented, "The University is delighted to play a part in the 'Open to All' access scheme which encourages all members of the public to visit the University Library.

"We hope that the scheme will attract local people to explore a new library and expand their horizons, and indeed perhaps some of our visitors might feel inspired to sign up for a University course one day."

Campaign information can be found on posters in the library, or by logging on to http://www.library.wales.org.

Caroline Sutch