The strategy contains a 66-point action plan that, according to the Department of Rural and Community Development, aims to “develop every library in the country into a multi-purpose education and social space for all members of the community”.
The strategy also aims to treble the number of ‘My Open Library’ facilities to more than 90. These facilities provide library access 365 days a year from 8am-10pm to registered users.
Increased funding for books and additional Outreach Library Services and mobile libraries are other points included in the action plan.
The strategy also aims to increase the number and range of activities taking place in libraries, such as computer and language classes, cultural events and exhibitions.
Other commitments contained in ‘The Library is the Place’ include a new national network of Gigabit libraries to offer superfast internet services to users, and the expansion of the Right to Read Programme and the Right to Read Local Networks.
‘The Library is the Place’ is available to view here
Also announced today was a €550,000 allocation in funding for library supports for marginalised and disadvantaged communities under the 2023 Dormant Accounts Action Plan.
The Department says the funding will support a Digital Equity and Social Inclusion programme to purchase library equipment, the Little Library Programme for incoming Junior Infants pupils, and events and programmes targeted at disadvantaged communities.
