Libraries in Limerick are set to benefit from €196,785 in Government funding to modernise services and extend opening hours.
Limerick Fine Gael Senator Maria Byrne said the latest round of funding represented an unprecedented Government investment in public libraries.
“This investment package comprises €147,588 from the Department of Rural and Community Development, supplemented by additional funding of €49,197 from Limerick City and County Council.
“This funding is in addition to significant funding already provided for public libraries already this year,” Senator Byrne explained.
“Here in Limerick this investment will enable the implementation of our new public library strategy which will be launched early next year and which will be focused on modernising the public library service and enhancing the range and quality of services available to users.
“It’s an ambitious strategy which is aimed at increasing library membership and usage of our public libraries.
“This programme of funding demonstrates Fine Gael’s continued commitment to the public library service over the coming five-year period of the strategy,” she added
“This is an exciting time for the public library service and for library staff. The roll out of self-service technology in our libraries will free up librarians who can use their expertise to assist library users and direct people to the many excellent services offered by the libraries.
“The public library service has recently introduced a single library management system and a national distribution service that provides branch to branch collection and delivery.
“Through this ground-breaking new lending service there is access to 15 million items for all library users in Ireland and nationwide access to all library services,” Senator Byrne concluded.
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