merrion street

Damien English, T.D., Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, today (21 June 2016) announced two library initiatives – ‘My Open Library’: Unlimited Access 8am - 10pm and the Summer Stars Reading Programme in Tullamore Central Library, Co. Offaly.

Minister English announced the launch of a call for proposals from Local Authorities to implement the ‘My Open Library’ initiative which extends public library opening hours during unstaffed hours, while continuing to provide regular staffed times for ongoing delivery of service, supporting customers, developing community engagement and hosting events. The ‘My Open Library’ initiative is operated through self-service from 08:00-22:00, 365 days a year, outside of staffed hours. Meeting rooms and community space is also made available for use. The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will be providing over €2.3 million for the initiative over the coming years.

The Minister praised the new initiative saying “It means that the public and communities will have access to this invaluable local resource when they need and want to use it most. This will strengthen the prominence of the library in the local community and position it as a focal point for community engagement.”

The Minister also announced the roll-out of a new Summer Stars Reading Programme, which will run in libraries throughout the country this summer.

In launching the Programme the Minister said “Reading opens up a world of imagination and opportunity. Encouraging children to read is vital. It helps them to develop and, if nothing else, will provide them with a pastime that will stand the test of time! So I encourage parents to bring their children to the local library and participate in the programme. Indeed, library membership is free for everybody now – so there’s no excuse not to visit.”

ENDS

Editor’s Note
‘My Open Library’ Unlimited Access 8am - 10pm’

‘My Open Library’ offers extended opening hours to library members during unstaffed hours. The service will include –
Opening hours of 08:00-22:00, 365 days per year,
Automated access to the branch by library members via membership card and pin code during unstaffed hours,
Access to all users 16 years and over (under 18 years with parental consent),
Incorporation of ‘My Open Library’ access membership as part of any new membership issued to all applicants aged 16 or over,
Streamlined application process for ‘My Open Library’ membership,
Provision of self-service activities to include, but not limited to –
stock issue and return,
internet usage on pc and with wi-fi on own device,
printing,
photocopying,
studying / reading spaces,
meeting facilities,
access to toilet facilities.

The initiative has been piloted in Banagher and Tullamore Libraries, Co. Offaly and Tubbercurry Library, Co. Sligo and has been a great success. The pilot is now being rolled out nationally with local authorities being asked to put forward proposals for libraries to develop the ‘My Open Library’ initiative.

Summer Stars Reading Programme
Each child who registers for the programme at their local library joins in the fun of reading lots of exciting books during the summer. Children will receive their own Summer Stars Reading Card to record their progress and the Summer Stars Reward Stamp will be added to their card at the library for each book read. Fun rewards will be provided along the way.

Further information on the Summer Stars Reading Programme is available on www.librariesireland.ie. It includes information on activities, games, talking ebooks, stories, reading tips, book suggestions by age group, a children’s book discussion board and humorous interviews with children’s authors and other celebrities.

Exciting events for children will also be held in libraries during the summer, the details can be checked out your local library service or local library website for further information on local activities and events.

You can follow Summers Stars on Twitter @StarsReading. Or find it on Facebook, Summer Stars at your Library.