COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
MOTION NO. 29
MOTION: Councillor E. Tuffy
Cathaoirleach's Business
"That the Manager would present for discussion a report on the provision of Library/Digital Information Hub in Palmerston."
REPORT:
The Library service continues to search for funding streams for the Digital Hub project for the community of Palmerston and to investigate any possibilities which may present themselves. In the current economic climate and with the National Capital Fund for Libraries currently uncertain the identification of resources is problematic.
A new National Strategy for Irish Libraries which will cover the years 2013-2017 is currently being written by the LGMA and will be presented to the Minister in June. It is envisaged that the document will stress the need for continued Government strategic direction and financial support for the Library Buildings Investment Programme which has currently stalled. No new capital programme announcement is envisaged until autumn 2013. The County Librarian however will continue to work with the Libraries Unit in the LGMA in order to keep the profile of South Dublin to the fore.
Work however is currently underway to upgrade the library on the Stewart’s campus with new shelving and a revised interior layout. A marketing drive will commence as soon as this work is finished which will raise the profile of the facility to local people. Staff from this Library and from Lucan Library are also working with the team in the nearby Palmerston Community and Youth Centre to raise the profile of both libraries to the local community and a number of new initiatives are planned for autumn 2013 including:
- A book stock selection with both children and adults titles will be set up in the café area of the community centre, including information on library services: library staff will provide materials and replenish collection every 6/8 weeks with community centre staff managing the collection on a daily basis. Customers will be able to browse collection and borrow books in an informal way.
- Programming of school events in the Centre for the autumn to include events during the Children’s Book Festival and/or Teen Festival
- A Book Club will be established in the Centre in the autumn, with support from staff from Lucan and Stewart’s Library.