COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor M. Ward

"This committee agrees that South Dublin County Council does not adopt the policy of the “Open Library” in both existing and yet to be opened libraries. The library represents one of the few remaining open, democratic and free public spaces available in our county and an unstaffed library will negatively impact this service."

REPORT:

The ‘My Open Library’ service has been operating very successfully for almost two years in Banagher Library, Co Offaly and Tullamore Library, Co. Offaly, and Tubbercurry Community Library, Co. Sligo.  The feedback from members of the public is extremely positive, with users commenting that the library is now much more accessible for commuters, students and families. They are no plans to introduce an ‘Open Library’ facility at present in South Dublin County Council. A presentation was given at the Arts, Culture, Gaeilge, Heritage and Libraries SPC meeting in November.

The role of library staff is recognised as key to the expansion of the library service in local communities. ‘My Open Library’ does not involve any reduction of the existing staffed hours of service. During the regular staffed hours, library staff are available to provide expert and additional services and develop community engagement and programming.