Inspiring a new generation of students: Coleg Menai’s Library Team win third place in the Wales Library Team of the Year Awards

The team were praised for their transformational work in launching their Library+ facilities in partnership with Learner Services, and the Additional Learning Needs Team.

The Library+ collaboration with Learner Services and Additional Learning, combined with a forward-thinking approach, has transformed traditional college library services into vibrant, inclusive and modern learning environments that prioritise the well-being and success of students.

The judges were impressed with Coleg Menai’s pioneering work in launching Wales’ first official Zine Library, at the Bangor Campus. The initiative gives students the opportunity to attend workshops and learn to create unique hand-crafted self-publications across a range of subjects. A modern form of heritage and knowledge sharing, this project enriches the cultural landscape of Welsh libraries and encourages students to take time out from screens and engage with hands-on creativity.

The libraries across all campuses have also invested in specialist online databases and e-book and e-journal platforms, giving students and staff access to more than 70,000 books and journals. At Llangefni, the library champions a digital-first approach, ensuring that students benefit from access to technology such as VR headsets and Chromebooks, preparing them for a technology-driven world.

The Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Library Team represented the Grŵp at an online celebration hosted by CILIP in January. They were also awarded a £300 cash prize and a certificate.

Angharad Roberts, Director of Bilingual Development, Learning Resources and Skills, said: “Across the Grŵp, our Library Teams work incredibly hard to create innovative environments that promote creativity; linguistic and literacy skills; cultural knowledge; plus a wealth of extracurricular activities that enrich our students’ lives. We’d like to thank the teams for the hard work they put into providing such outstanding services and inspiring students and staff alike.

“Rather than just quiet spaces, we want our libraries to be hubs for connection and creativity, fostering a lifelong joy for reading and learning.”

CILIP in Wales is a leading voice for library, information, and knowledge management professionals in Wales. It promotes the value of library services, sets professional standards, and advocates for the sector with the Welsh government. It supports members through training and networking to improve library services.

To find out more about Library+ at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and life as a student with us, visit: https://www.gllm.ac.uk/college-life/student-life/library-and-learning-resource-service