A GWYNEDD born actor is throwing his support behind this year's Libraries Week.

Libraries Week, which will run from October 8 to 13, is the annual showcase of all the creative, innovative and diverse activities libraries have to offer.

This year the week's focus is wellbeing and will showcase how they bring communities together, combat loneliness, provide a space for reading and creativity and support people with their mental health.

Dyfan Dwyfor, who starred in the award winning film Y Llyfrgell/The Library Suicides - based in the National Library, said the week is a fantastic chance to discover everything you can do in your library.

He said: “While Libraries Week is a great chance to discover the range of things you can do at your library, from children’s storytimes and baby rhymetimes , to managing your health, to accessing free wifi and games, to finding a job, the focus this year on wellbeing highlights the wider role libraries can play to strengthen our communities.

"Many libraries are at the centre of people’s lives and they have the potential to transform those lives by allowing a space for experiences to be shared and for promoting learning opportunities.”

In Gwynedd a series of events will be held that will focus on health screening opportunities and demonstrate how libraries can play a key role in our wellbeing.

Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd libraries manager, said: “Since the Macmillan Library Health & Wellbeing project came to an end in March, Gwynedd Libraries has continued to offer health information events and health screening information stalls as it has been a vital service for many, as long term illness effects lots of people in our community.

“Working alongside Macmillan Cancer Support we provide free, quality information about cancer and other long term conditions in selected libraries.

"We also have a range of reading well books on prescription available in the library to browse through or borrow, whatever is easiest for the individual.

“Our hope during Libraries Week is that we can reach out to those who need help in the community.

"In addition to the health screening sessions we will also been running caring sessions such as ‘Colouring to Relax’ and other activities which include musical sessions aimed at people living with Dementia and their carers.”

Welsh public libraries have seen a huge increase in their services and in addition to loaning books you can also download e-magazines and audio and more and more of them are offering spaces for people to come together to talk and chat, having identified social isolation as an issue within society.

Development manager for CILIP Cymru Wales, Kathryn Parry, said Libraries Week is important as it highlights the ongoing vital work of libraries,

She said: “Working for CILIP is a pleasure throughout the year as I am able to see the breadth of professions supported by librarians and library workers.

"The aspiration this year of concentrating on wellbeing is a perfect fit as it reflects the variety of services offered.

"Our library staff support students in schools, colleges and universities, while at the same time linking doctors and health professionals with those working in government to research and provide guidance when it comes to academic writing and policy creation.

"This week is about celebrating the profession as a whole while remembering that these services are delivered all year round and long may it continue to do so.”

Libraries Week is able to showcase each individual library throughout Wales and with over 250 libraries across the country in many different shapes and forms, large and small, on wheels or within four walls, there is much to discover.

For the latest news and updates, visit www.librariesweek.org.uk.