Funding of more than €3 million is set to be invested in 46 library branches across the country, extending the opening hours of many nationwide.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced over €3.1 million in 46 library branches across the country.
Some €2.2 million in funding will be provided to roll out the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – which will allow people to access their local library outside of normal opening hours.
Among the library facilities to benefit include Tullow in Carlow, Clifden in Galway, Newcastle West in Limerick, Blanchardstown and Malahide in Dublin, Tramore in Waterford, and Cashel in Tipperary.
And a further €900,000 will be invested in enhancing the equipment in a further 29 branches that already have the ‘My Open Library’ service in place.
Minister Humphreys made the announcement as the World Library Congress opens in Dublin. The event is hosting approximately 1700 delegates from 100 countries.
Announcing the €3.1 million investment, Minister Humphreys said, “This funding will see the roll-out of the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – ensuring thousands more members can access their local library outside of normal opening hours.”
“This initiative allows people to avail of self-service library services between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm, seven days per week. And I’m also pleased today to announce funding to further improve facilities in 29 branches that have already embraced the ‘My Open Library’ initiative.”
Minister Humphreys continued, “I’m delighted to make this announcement as the World Library Congress opens in Dublin, and runs over three days. Supporting our libraries is a key priority of mine as Minister for Rural and Community Development.
They provide such essential services to people, both young and old, and this funding will give so many more people greater access to their local branch. It reflects the fact too that some people like to visit their library early in the morning or late in the evening due to work commitments. I’m delighted that we are in a position to roll the initiative out in these additional branches.”
The Minister concluded, “’My Open Library’ is the flagship initiative under the current Public Libraries Strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’. It will also form an important part of the successor to the current public library strategy which my Department is currently working on.”