A TOTAL of five bans from Gwynedd libraries have been handed out in the county since the start of 2022, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

The Chronicle asked Gwynedd Council to disclose the number of people banned from its libraries since 2021, as well as an incident description pertaining to each ban.

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Why two people were banned from Rhyl Library

2021

Gwynedd Council said no such data is available for 2021 per its retention policy.

2022

In 2022, one person was banned after using a computer at Caernarfon Library in contravention of acceptable terms and conditions on June 7, 2022.

This led to a three-month ban on using a computer at all libraries across North Wales.

2023

Another ban was issued in 2023 after an incident of antisocial behaviour at Pwllheli Library on May 5, 2023 – this was linked to “drug use” and “verbal aggression”, the council said.

As a result, this person was banned indefinitely from Pwllheli Library and Neuadd Dwyfor Arts Centre in Pwllheli.

2024

So far in 2024, the council said that three bans have been handed out; all following the same incident, at Penygroes Library on April 4.

This again involved antisocial behaviour, including “rowdy behaviour”, showing “disrespect to a staff member when asked to leave”, and “intimidation”.

A three-month ban from visiting Penygroes Library was handed to all three people involved.