Sarra Elgan helped to launch the campaign in New Tredegar

The "Something to Shout About" campaign aims to encourage more people to use libraries.

Grants of �2.5m will also be available to modernise buildings and provide services such as wi-fi.

More than a quarter of the Welsh population visit libraries - the highest proportion in the UK.

But many library buildings are said to be in a poor condition.

YOUR VIEWS What visitors to Canton library in Cardiff think of the service In pictures

The campaign was launched by TV presenter Sarra Elgan and Culture Minister Alun Pugh, who read to a group of under-fives at the Whiterose Information Resource Centre in New Tredegar.

Mr Pugh said: "Libraries offer so much more these days but too many people are put off by the outdated image of libraries or the depressing condition of some.

"We want to increase access to our libraries and this is why I've made money available to create libraries fit for the twenty-first century."

PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN WALES 323 libraries are open 10 hours or more a week 4m lending books are held �48m a year is spent on libraries - 4.2p per person per day More than 800,000 people are "active borrowers" - 27% of the population People make 14.5m visits to public libraries a year, borrowing 16.5m items Source: Public Library Statistics CIPFA Actuals, 2004-05 and individual libraries across Wales

Libraries will be able to apply for grants to refurbish buildings, provide new services such as wi-fi and upgrade disabled facilities.

Money is also available to give more library users access to services like online book catalogues.

The Welsh Assembly Government said there was clear evidence that upgrading libraries could bring a dramatic increase in visitors, citing Oystermouth Library in Swansea, which re-opened in 2005 after an �80,000 facelift.