A TOTAL OF 109,000 people availed of library services in Co Carlow last year, with 60,000 internet sessions also accessed by knowledge- hungry Carlovians.
County librarian Josephine Coyne was at the recent meeting of Carlow Co Council to outline an overview of the draft strategy for public libraries 2013-1917, which is currently undergoing the public consultation process.
Ms Coyne outlined that the ultimate aim of the library service nationwide was to provide a free service to all, with a single library system throughout the country.
“Last year, Co Carlow library service took in €28,000 in fees and fines, but ultimately there is an aim of free membership throughout Ireland and to acquire money through other means such as charging for genealogy enquiries or renting space etc,” stated Ms Coyne.
Cllr Jennifer Murnane O’Connor stated that, hopefully, the money would be there to allow free membership. However, cllr Fergal Browne described it as “a bit daft” to cut the membership fee.
“I have never heard anyone ever complain about paying a charge, children are free to become members and the cost to adults is €10 per annum. When you think of it, if you went in every day and read the newspaper, you’d have made your money back in a week,” said cllr Browne.
Ms Coyne stated that in 12 local authority areas they did have free fees, membership had increased.
Cllr Anne Ahern described the library as “a buzzing place in Carlow” and asked if families were aware of what is available to them, in particular for children. “It’s a fantastic service,” she enthused.
Cllr Denis Foley asked why the floodlights at Muinebheag library were no longer on and urged the council to solve the problem.
Cllr Fred Hunter remarked that of all the locations of libraries services throughout the county, the one place that has missed out was Hacketstown.
“They are actually now providing their own community library, but what they need is back-up. I’m appealing to you now as county librarian to give them the back-up they need … it’s over to you,” urged cllr Hunter.
Ms Coyne stated that the floodlights at Muinebheag was something she was addressing and she agreed that the library service needs to reach out more and more to members of the public.
Ms Coyne stated that working with communities like Hacketstown and providing services where they can was something they took very seriously, adding that the service was working with the department to provide greater services to areas.
