In 2010, Veria Central Public Library won the “Access to Learning Award” from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for embracing technology and developing a creative environment for the local community. The Library has been recognized as a “successful model library” for its creative use of information and technology services and meeting the social, educational and cultural needs of over 180,000 people. Every day visitors from the wider region of Imathia visit the Library. The collection includes 180,000 items (books, newspapers, magazines, sewing patterns, board games, tablets, kindles, foreign language learning methods, music CDs, vinyl records, DVDs, artworks etc.) The biggest part of the Library has been renovated due to the Gates Award. New spaces were created that combine traditional and innovative services: recording studio (Media Lab), a Maker Space equipped with a 3D printers, gadgets, telescope, weather station, an inspiration space, an open air reading room and much more.