10 November 2017
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Fine Gael Senator, Tim Lombard, has confirmed that libraries in Cork County are set to benefit from an investment of €72,122. This investment comprises of €54,092 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and supplemented by a €18,030 contribution from the Cork County Council.
Senator Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) is based outside Carrigaline, Co Cork and represents Cork in the Seanad
The funding was announced this week by the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Michael Ring TD.
Senator Lombard said: “this represents an unprecedented Government investment in our public libraries. The funding will allow for the modernisation of our library service and for the extension of library opening hours.
“This funding is in addition to significant funding already provided by Minister Ring’s Department for public libraries here this year.
“Here in Cork it will enable the implementation of our new public library strategy, to be launched early next year and which will focus 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…”
Minister Ring said: ““This is an exciting time for the public library service and for library staff. The roll out of self-service technology in our libraries will free up librarians who can use their expertise to assist library users and direct people to the many excellent services offered by the libraries.
“The public library service has recently introduced a single library management system and a national distribution service that provides branch to branch collection and delivery.
“Through this ground-breaking new lending service there is access to 15 million items for all library users in Ireland and nationwide access to all library services.”
