Healthy Ireland at Drogheda library

LIBRARY NOW OFFERS A CORE COLLECTION OF REVIEWED HEALTH TITLES

DROGHEDA Library had a capacity audience recently when Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Colm Markey launched ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’.

This Department of Health led initiative is being delivered in all five libraries in County Louth.

The Department of Health recognize that Libraries are about providing equal access to information, to warm welcoming spaces, to books, for access to technology, Internet, study spaces and lots more.

The Department of Health have funded The Healthy Ireland at your Library initiative, and all libraries now offer a core collection of reviewed health titles both in hard copy and through the online resources. A programme of events is being delivered using reputable health professionals to give promote health and wellbeing.

The aim of the initiative is to ensure that everyone in the county can access support and trusted health information; enabling people make healthy choices for a healthier lifestyle at every life stage.

The launch of the programme was held in conjunction with a health and wellbeing event where over 170 people attended a talk by Dr Harry Barry, GP, Cognitive Therapist and Author, on Anxiety and Panic as part of the new ‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library’ Programme. Dr Barry gave valuable insights into these common conditions, and spoke about the value of the library as a place to wind down and take time out from busy lifestyles. According to Dr Barry, ‘Reading is an important activity that helps our wellbeing’ and he reminded the audience that sleep is one of the most fundamental prerequisites to good health.

Councillor Markey spoke about his interest in mental health and said: ‘ The library can be a safe haven, a hub and a retreat from our busy schedules and it can provide the calm we need from time to time. The Healthy Ireland initiative is a fabulous resource because it is equitable, it is available from every Library in Louth, regardless of whether your local library is a large one or a part time branch.

‘It is great to think that anyone can access the core collection of reviewed titles approved and validated by professionals who are the best in their field. Similarly, the programme of events scheduled for this initiative are delivered by professionals such as Dr Harry Barry.

Both the core collection and the programme of events reflect the six pillars of the Healthy Ireland Programme: Healthy Childhood; Healthy Eating and Active Living; Wellbeing and Mental health; Positive Ageing; Alcohol and Tobacco Free.’

Director of Services, Louth County Council Frank Pentony spoke about his fond memories using Drogheda library, a habit that formed from his childhood days.’