Fifteen libraries across Wales have already had improvements

A total of 16 libraries will be upgraded in a move to encourage people to make more use of them.

Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas will announce the funding at Cwmbran library in Torfaen.

State-of-the-art library facilities have been installed at Barry and Swansea and the new library in central Cardiff is due to open next year.

Mr Thomas said: "Libraries are important for our communities, wherever you live. Books are still the core business for our libraries, and over 14.1m books were borrowed last year."

Skills

"But they are also important centres of information for the community, and a hive of activity, hosting mother and toddler reading groups, book clubs and providing ICT computer training for people who want to develop new skills," he said.

The new funding means that �2.5m would be invested in libraries this year, which includes �1.5m for upgrading current library buildings.

The minister also said in 2009 and in 2010 the funding available will go up to �3m a year.

He said research showed the poor state of Welsh libraries was a "turn-off" for people, but when upgraded, more people used them.

"For example, Gorseinon Library received a grant of �100,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government last year, and in the month following the re-opening visits were up by nine per cent and issues up by 19%."

In recent months libraries in Gorseinon, Brynmawr in Blaenau Gwent, Abertridwr in Caerphilly, and Caernarfon have been upgraded.

Now libraries, including those in Cardigan, Tredegar, Pontarddulais and Barmouth will be on the improvement list.