Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
984. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided on a trial basis to the library service in County Kildare to fund delivery of a library lending service via the postal service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5452/21]
View answerThe provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act, 2001.
There are currently no proposals to provide funding for the delivery of a library lending service on a trial basis via the postal service. However, I understand that Kildare libraries have been providing a delivery service to the housebound and vulnerable since last May. This service is co-ordinated through Kildare County Council’s Community Call Helpline and I commend them for this fantastic initiative.
My Department continues to support local authorities in the delivery of a public library service, especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic. In September 2020, my Department invested €3m in a Small Scale Capital Works programme which supported local authorities in carrying out refurbishment works in library branches thereby helping them to adapt to comply with Government health guidance. Kildare County Council were approved funding of €100,000 under this initiative and this supported works in all 14 library branches in the county.
In addition, during 2020, my Department invested some €400,000 in the excellent online library service which has soared in levels of membership and usage since the beginning of the pandemic. The service provides access to more than 48,000 eBooks and 33,000 eAudiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses. These online services will continue to be provided in 2021.
