‘Take a Closer Look’ at your local library

A variety of events will take place in libraries nationwide including virtual reality sessions, knitting groups, storytimes, LEGO classes and wellbeing workshops.

The events are underpinned by a national campaign entitled ‘Take a Closer Look’.

The usage of public libraries continues to grow with 14.5 million traditional print and audio visual items being loaned in 2023 – an increase of 18% from 2022. There were also almost 1.6 million eAudiobooks and over 930,000 eBooks loaned in 2023 – an increase of 20% from 2022.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD is encouraging people to check with their local library branch to find out what Open Day events are taking place.

She said: “National Public Libraries Open Day is a unique opportunity for us to promote library services and celebrate their role in Irish life. Ireland’s public libraries have a proud history in the heart of our communities, supporting people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

“Our libraries bring people together. They help people to go on literary and recreational journeys, to use their imagination and unwind.

 “Finally, I want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our library staff who have again exceeded expectations by scheduling a diverse range of events for people to enjoy on the day.”

There are 330 library branches and 31 mobile libraries in Ireland. All core library services are provided free of charge. There are no membership fees and no fines for late returns.

Nearly 800,000 people are registered as library members and more than 12 million items are available to borrow across the service.

Anna Marie Delaney, chair of the National Libraries Development Committee said: “Our libraries are for everyone and they offer a broad range of diverse services, both in-house and remote, that support people to connect, to access information, to browse and escape, to receive support and to engage with their community.

“They encourage reading at all levels, improve digital skills and literacy, enable formal and informal learning, support the provision of information and guidance on many topics, and ensure that people have a place in the community to meet and come together.”

This campaign has been supported by funding of €150,000 which has been allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund through the Department of Rural and Community Development.

For more information on how to join your local library, see: https://www.librariesireland.ie/join-your-library