A volunteer has been recognised for her efforts in promoting the arts at a library.

Janet Blackman, who joined Dinas Powys Library as a volunteer in 2019, was recognised at the Community Libraries Network Awards 2024.

The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the community library sector.

Ms Blackman was recognised for her work in promoting the arts at the library.

She established the 'Creative Community Libraries' Facebook group during the pandemic in 2020 to engage volunteers and friends of the Vale of Glamorgan community libraries in art and creativity.

Ms Blackman said: "As a group, our aim is to encourage creativity for all ages and abilities, providing regular artistic themes along with some seasonal challenges, but most of all to encourage everyone to share their creativity, inspirations, and ideas with the rest of the group in whatever form they take, in a non-judgemental and friendly environment."

The group was well-received, with high participation.

Once lockdown restrictions were lifted, Ms Blackman organised an exhibition of the group's work at the library.

She has been keen to support local artists, particularly those just starting out or who have never exhibited before.

The library now hosts a new exhibition every seven weeks, all organised and curated by Ms Blackman.

As the library is volunteer-run and needs to raise funds for maintenance, many of the artworks displayed are for sale, with the library taking a small commission on sales.