Our library still a valued resource

IT was not difficult to feel the sense of pride that the staff, and indeed the community in Dundalk, have in the library service in town, and the manner in which it has evolved to meet new demands.

That was evident at a unique occasion held in the library last week to mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of the purpose-built facility in Roden Place.

The occasion was unique because it allowed staff to contribute to a panel discussion on the merits of the service and how they value the opportunity to enhance the service to the public they serve.

But it also included contributions from regular visitors to the library, the impact it made on their lives, and those of their children by encouraging them to visit regularly, while one contributor who admitted the school wasn’t for him, told how his life changed because the library opened a new world of opportunity.

The night opened with retired librarian Anne Ward tracing the move from the cramped building in Chapel Street to the former distillery that was converted to the new library in Roden Place and the nightmare of the fire two months after opening that engulfed part of the building.

However, perhaps one of the most significant contributions made was that of a former staff member, Alan Hand who worked for many years in the reference section, where he met people from all over the world seeking to trace ancestors.

Alan made the point that we are fortunate in this country that we still cherish our libraries and are continuing to invest in new buildings, and just as importantly, new services that reflect modern living, such as use of the internet.

In contrast, in the UK almost 800 libraries have closed since 2010, meaning that a fifth - 29.6% to be exact - have had to close their doors because of a lack of funding.

Perhaps many of the libraries in the UK, and in other western countries have closed because financial restrains prevented them from evolving from a building that just kept books, to a facility that is meant to serve the community as a hub were young children are introduced to their first books, where students can undertake research, where historians can reference the development of their town and county, where emigrants can keep in touch with home, and where discussions and debates can be hosted that are informative, and a valuable space for social contact.

Yes we must continue to value our libraries and ensure that they grow to reflect a changing world.