BLAENAVON Library will relocate to the World Heritage Centre, with a Welsh Government grant of £100,000 to do so.

The move’s aim is to attract more people to use the library.

At the new site, library users will be able to sip a coffee in the café while reading their newspapers, and government staff said a garden next door and a more flexible design inside would make it easier to stage events.

“Self-issue facilities will enable extended access to a range of library resources six days a week”, a spokesman added.

Ebbw Vale Library will receive £250,000 to create a cultural “hub” for local people.

The two library grants are among seven projects throughout Wales to share £1million as part of the Welsh Government’s Community Learning Library Capital Development Programme, which wants to break libraries out of their traditional remit so users can access “a wide range of services” including computer training and courses.

Funding for libraries is part of a £2.7 million investment by the Welsh Government in museums, archives and libraries across Wales to help more people enjoy the “rich and diverse collections available”.

In a report on culture and poverty, Baroness Andrew said libraries and museums should work together to make sure culture is accessible to all.

The money will include £235,000 to encourage library and museum use, particularly those living in Communities First areas.

Funding of £255,000 will be used to establish a national Digital Library Service, allowing customers to access a free all-Wales e-books and e-zines service, as well as free audio books and free reference sources.

Deputy culture minister Ken Skates said: “I want to see Wales become the most creative nation in Europe and to achieve this it is important that everyone is able to access the treasures available in our museums, archives and libraries, and be inspired.”

The funding will also support a scheme to give every school pupil a library card automatically.