Three Galway Libraries have been awarded funding that will make them more accessible to everyone, and extend their opening times.
Minister Heather Humphreys has today announced €3.1 million investment in My Open Library services at 46 library branches across the country.
My Open Library is an initiative that provides self-service access to libraries outside of normal staffed opening hours.
In Clifden, €115,678 has been granted to the county council to roll out My Open Library services there.
A further €38,000 will go towards new equipment to improve the existing services in Ballinasloe and Oranmore libraries.
Ballinasloe Library will receive €30,604, and Oranmore has been awarded €37,570 in funding for My Open Library.
Minister Humphreys said that supporting libraries is a “key priority” of hers as the 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,” Heather Humphreys said.
My Open Library provides library access to members from 8 a.m to 10 p.m, 365 days per year.
The provision of the self-service activities during My Open Library hours includes, but is not limited to:
- stock issue and return
- internet usage on PC and Wi-Fi for use on own device
- printing, photocopying and scanning facilities
- studying and reading spaces
- meeting space, and
- access to toilet facilities
The scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in 2014 at Banagher, Tullamore and Tubbercurry libraries.
