Galway has been awarded over €35,000 in funding for library projects and programming that will reach out to disadvantaged communities.
The funding from the Dormant Accounts Package 2021 is designed to assist libraries in reaching out to older people, the unemployed and other marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged groups.
In total, Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien announced that €650,000 will be provided for 120 library projects around the country.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said “Our libraries have responded magnificently to the challenges presented by the pandemic and continued to provide services throughout the past 16 months.”
She added that this money will help libraries to better reach out and engage with the communities they serve.
“The kind of programmes being funded through this initiative will benefits thousands of library users, young and old.”
In Galway, the contribution of €35,180.10 from the Department, matched with €3,908.90 in local authority funding, will be used on six different projects.
Fierce Close, a project meant to improve critical thinking and debating skills among early school leavers and schools in disadvantaged areas, as well as increase climate change awareness, will receive a combined €6,360.
Another €12,000 will go towards providing LEGO therapy sessions for children on the autism spectrum, or who have communication difficulties.
A programme that aims to help women from disadvantaged communities to have their voices heard in society has been allocated a total of €1,470.
Music therapy sessions for adults with dementia, acquired brain injuries, or intellectual difficulties have received €8,399 in backing.
€3,450 will go towards a Community Leadership programme for Women, helping those in direct provision, the unemployed, traveller communities, and early school leavers get involved in civic society.
And lastly, €7,410 will be spent on providing a selection of musical instruments for the outdoor courtyard at the library.
Commenting on the funding, Minister O’Brien said “I am particularly pleased that this funding supports the installation of equipment in public libraries which will improve accessibility for people with a disability, sensory needs, autism, and older members of our community.”
“Our public libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces and it is important that everybody can avail of the services that they provide.”
