Public libraries will share a new efficient digital library platform which will make the service more consistent and improve access to books, e-books and other library services across Wales.

Backed by over £900,000 from the Welsh government, the shared platform will increase the range of materials available at people’s local libraries by allowing them to share their resources with other libraries.

Chair of the Society of Chief Librarians Cymru, Nicola Pitman, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to improve services to Library Customers across Wales and we can’t wait to see what can be achieved with the new Platform."

Once implemented, the platform will enable library services to work together on other developments such as a single Welsh library card.

Procurement of the platform was led by Cyngor Gwynedd as lead authority for this project. It will be implemented over the coming months and is expected to go live later this year.

The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, Lesley Griffiths, said: "Libraries are an important part of our communities, they’re a great place to access free books and resources and we want to make them easier to use.

"This new digital library platform will encourage and support even more people to benefit from the services libraries are able to offer."