Staff at Newtown Library  have been shortlisted for the Welsh Library Team of the Year Award 2020.

They are one of three teams picked from across Wales who have been shortlisted for the inaugural award which celebrates those that have had a positive impact on the community and improved library services.

Maureen Jones, Branch Librarian, said the team have had to overcome "tremendous uncertainty" and worked with good humour throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

She said: "Newtown Area Library has always had a dynamic team and during Covid-19 they have delivered many new services; from calling older customers to developing online quizzes and creative writing and poetry competitions.

"The challenging shift from advising readers, to choosing books for them, was also embraced by the team, and all this while overcoming IT technicalities and tremendous uncertainty.

"They have demonstrated true professionalism and adaptability, making good use of their training, skills and knowledge, and have worked with good humour throughout."

The award will be presented by Lord Elis-Thomas MS, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism and Nick Poole, Chief Executive CILIP, the library and information association.

Councillor Rachel Powell, who is the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture at Powys County Council, described the nomination as "wonderful news".

"This is an outstanding achievement for the staff and is very well deserved. I wish them all the very best and am looking forward to hearing the final results next week."

The winning team will be announced at the CILIP Cymru Wales Open Day and AGM on Thursday, December 3.