Policy information
Public Libraries
From Department of Rural and Community Development
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The public library is a free service with a nationwide reach. It is open to everyone across the country.
As centres of knowledge, information and culture, libraries play an important community role. Over 17 million library visits are made annually.
Members can use all library services at any of the 330 library branches in the country.
The current public library strategy, ‘The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration’, was developed jointly by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the LGMA, the CCMA and local authorities. It was also shaped by extensive engagement with key stakeholders and library staff and by feedback from a public consultation process that received almost 3,000 responses.
The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration - National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027
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The ambitious strategy was launched in July 2023 and will build on the success of its predecessor, ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’, through 66 strategic actions that will support the sustainable development of the public library sector over the next five years.
The new strategy contains a number of ambitious new initiatives. Among the highlights are:
- Roll out of national “Skills for Life” umbrella programme covering issues such as digital skills, financial literacy, sustainable lifestyles and environmental awareness
- New national network of Gigabit libraries
- Expansion of Right to Read programme
- Increased access for library users to book clubs
- Expansion of user-centred design approaches to library services
- Delivery of digital skills training for library staff
- New national media literacy programme for staff
- Development of data dashboard for library leaders and ultimately the public
The Libraries Capital Programme 2016-2022 was launched in January 2016 and was approx. €29 million and supported 17 projects, as well as the My Open Library service and a Small Scale Capital Works programme.
- Ten Libraries Capital Programme projects have been completed to date:
- Kevin Street Library renovation
- Athy Library
- Carrick-on-Suir Library refurbishment
- North Clondalkin Library
- Wicklow Town Library & County Archives
- Edgeworthstown Library
- Kerry Mobile Library
- Tipperary School Library Van
- Wexford Mobile Library
The new Libraries Capital Programme for the period 2023-2027 was announced in April 2023 and the Department expects to announce the successful projects in the coming months.
Also, local authorities can submit library development proposals as elements of broader regeneration plans under the Item was unpublished or removed
The Public Library Standards and Benchmarks document provides guidelines for the development and delivery of the library service.
The guidelines are in line:
- with local and national government policy, and
- with national and international library service best practice .
The aim of the document is:
- to provide well-located, well-planned effective public libraries with open and welcoming civic spaces to all
- to promote urban regeneration and sustainable communities by improving the physical community environment .
The necessary qualifications for posts in the Library Service are available here
Libraries Development is the national adviser and development agency for public libraries in Ireland.
Libraries Development was established within the LGMA in 2012. It continues the functions of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (The Library Council).
They advise the Department and the library authorities:
- on public library development and
- on library co-operation.