Two recent surveys have given the thumbs up to Monmouthshire's libraries with 94 per cent of adults considering their local library to be very good or good, and nine out of ten children and young people awarding the service the highest possible rating.

Library staff were praised for their excellent customer care and enquiry skills, with one in four people surveyed saying the library facilities had assisted with health issues. Eighteen per cent believed that using the library had helped with family and relationships, and six out of ten children felt that frequenting the library had improved their reading.

The need to improve the free internet service was mentioned by a number of users, and Wi-Fi will soon be available in all libraries.

Caldicot Library's opening hours were also highlighted and a consultation process will soon take place to establish what improvements can be made. Some complained of Abergavenny library's cramped and limited space, but the authority says this will soon be resolved when the town's new facility opens.

Chepstow, the busiest library in Monmouthshire, is due to be refurbished with a £120,000 grant from CyMAL (Museums, Archives and Libraries Wales). Work will be carried out over the summer and autumn and highlights include lots of new book displays, an improved layout for stock and flexible space for more activities, events and classes plus a designated area for teenagers. The project will also create a library reading garden.

The two public library user surveys - one for adults and one for children and young people - were commissioned by the council and analysed by CIPFA Social Research (the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy).

For more information about what Monmouthshire Library Service can offer you and your family, please contact your local library or log on to www.libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk