Dundee’s Library and Information Services have been announced as the joint winner of the UK Library of the Year Award run by industry specialists The Bookseller.
Staff from the service, one of only seven libraries from around the UK to be shortlisted for the commendation, travelled to London where they were delighted to be chosen for the award.
Chairman of Leisure & Culture Dundee, Lord Provost Bob Duncan said: “Everyone connected with the Dundee library service is delighted that it has been recognised with the award of this prestigious prize.
“Our libraries are popular places where people go to read, borrow books, use the free computing and internet facilities and also take part in a wide range of activities.
“I am pleased that efforts to come up with innovative ways of getting the public involved with their local library have been showcased by this national award.”
Dundee City Council administration leader Ken Guild added: “This is a tremendous accolade for the services provided by libraries across the city.
“Libraries in Dundee encourage people to come through the doors and use these facilities in their own communities.”
According to the latest figures produced by Audit Scotland, Dundee consistently attracts the highest number of visits per 1,000 population to libraries among Scottish local authorities.
The competition entry for Dundee showcased the impressive digital participation programme which connects libraries to the reading public.
This includes support for people in local communities who are experiencing the impact of welfare reform, with free internet access and training available in all libraries.
Dundee was the first authority in Scotland to introduce a service for people with additional support needs and now provides IT devices and support to a wide range of agencies and individuals to ensure everyone can access the internet.
Services provided by Dundee libraries include rhymetimes, storytimes, IT training, free internet, author visits, local history support, as well as a whole range of online information packages as well as books.