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The Library Is The Place: New five year strategy for public libraries unveiled
From Department of Rural and Community Development
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An ambitious new five year strategy designed to support and strengthen Ireland’s public library network has been launched.
‘The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration’ will strengthen the public library service, ensuring libraries continue to provide accessible, friendly, and truly civic spaces that are at the heart of communities.
The strategy contains 66 separate actions which will ensure our public libraries are multi-purpose social and educational spaces for everyone to enjoy.
It was launched by Minister Heather Humphreys in July 2023 at the official opening of a new library facility in Portlaoise, which received an investment of €7.5 million.
The strategy’s three overarching themes are People, Spaces and Connections.
Some of the highlights of the strategy include:
- roll out of national “Skills for Life” umbrella programme covering issues such as digital skills, financial literacy, sustainable lifestyles and environmental awareness
- expansion of Right to Read programme
- increased access to book clubs
- expansion of user-centred design approaches to library services
- new national network of Gigabit libraries
- delivery of digital skills training for library staff
- new national media literacy programme for staff
‘The Library is the Place’ is available to view below:
The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration - National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027
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The new strategy was developed by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and local authorities.
The strategy was drafted following an extensive consultation process that included a public consultation which resulted in 2,993 returned questionnaires, focus groups with over 300 libraries staff members, further focus groups with key stakeholder groups and interviews and workshops with key interested parties.