Public Libraries
Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
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.
Is í an Leabharlann an Áit: Eolas, Caitheamh Aimsire, Inspioráid - Straitéis Náisiúnta na Leabharlann Poiblí 2023-2027
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:
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.
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local authorities can submit library development proposals as elements of broader regeneration plans under the Item was unpublished or removed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:
The aim of the document is:
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: