Public libraries in Cardiff are owned and operated by Cardiff Council. There are 20 public libraries in the capital of Wales, the largest of which is Cardiff Central Library. A mobile library service is also provided. In 2018/19, there were almost 91,000 Cardiff residents, around 25% of the city's population, who borrowed an item from a municipal library. Increases in visits, active borrowers and library members have taken place during 18/19 as the service continues to grow in popularity with Cardiff's citizens.
There are 280 computers in libraries in Cardiff due to the £70,000 of capital funding that was provided to replace and upgrade these facilities. Internet access is offered free of charge at every branch. Cultural events are regularly held at city library branches.
The first city library opened in central Cardiff in 1861, followed by the city's first branch library in Splott in 1894. The latest building to serve as Central Library opened in 2009 as part of a major reconstruction of the eastern city centre, including the St. David's 2 project.[1]
Cathays, Canton and Whitchurch Libraries are Carnegie Libraries, built with money donated by Scottish businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
- ^ "First look at new 'green' library". 7 March 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2019.