Over €160,000 investment in local libraries

LIBRARIES in County Wicklow are set to benefit from €161,515 in Government funding as announced last week by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD.

The funding will allow for the modernisation of the local library service and for the extension of opening hours.

The announcement coincided with Wicklow’s hosting of The Library Association of Ireland Public Libraries Section annual conference in Tinakilly House.

Minister Andrew Doyle said this latest funding represents unprecedented Government investment in Wicklow’s public libraries.

‘ This investment package comprises €121,136 from the Department of Rural and Community Development, supplemented by additional funding of €40,379 from Wicklow County Council. This funding is in addition to significant funding already provided by Minister Ring’s Department for public libraries here this year.

‘Here in Wicklow this investment will enable the implementation of our new public library strategy which will be launched early next year and which will be focused on modernising the public library service and enhancing the range and quality of services available to users.

‘It’s an ambitious strategy which is aimed at increasing library membership and usage of our public libraries,’ said Minister Doyle