€2.8 million package to assist libraries adapt to Covid-19

Funding will be provided to upgrade facilities and technologies in libraries and make the buildings more sustainable and energy efficient.

A €2.8 million package to assist libraries adapt to Covid-19 has been announced

The funding was unveiled by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys yesterday whilst turning the sod on the new public library in the Midlands yesterday, Wednesday, August 5.

Funding will be provided to upgrade facilities and technologies in libraries and make the buildings more sustainable and energy efficient.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will provide €2.5m to support a Small Scale Capital Works Programme for public libraries.

The remainder will be provided by matched from local authorities to the value of approximately €280,000.

“One of the key actions of our public library Strategy Our Public Libraries - Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities, is to develop library buildings that are fit for purpose and reflect the quality of services on offer,” Minister Humphreys said.

There are in excess of 300 libraries across the country and the funding, she added, will support local authorities to transform many of their existing library buildings into modern, welcoming spaces that will leave a positive legacy for years to come.

“It will also allow libraries to be adapted to meet social distancing requirement and to provide additional remote working facilities. Libraries provide a broad range of important services for their communities and it is imperative that they be well maintained to ensure that people not only wish to utilise the service but also view the library as a modern, well equipped facility.”