Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she will continue to support, update and expand public libraries in the future including incorporating the use of modern technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9002/22]
View answerMy Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme which is investing some €29 million in 17 projects, the My Open Library service and a Small Scale Capital Works programme, between 2016 and 2022. The Libraries Capital Programme has eight completed projects and five more are under construction. €3 million was provided by my Department under a Small Scale Capital Works programme which supported local authorities in carrying out refurbishment works in library branches to respond to public health guidance and upgrade facilities. Funding is also being provided to support the continued expansion of the transformative My Open Library Service, which enables members to access the library 8am - 10pm, 365 days a year.
In 2022, funding of €7.7 million is being provided for public library infrastructure and services, with a focus on fit-for-purpose buildings, and supports for marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities, in line with the actions under the public library strategy 'Our Public Libraries 2022 - Inspiring, Connecting, and Empowering Communities'.
In 2018, my Department approved funding of €6 million for the upgrade of ICT capacity and facilities in public libraries. This was the first step in establishing the library as an important enabler of digital services. In 2020 almost €700,000 was approved to support the provision of sensory facilities and equipment in libraries and in 2021 €850,000 was approved for the provision of library supports for marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities.
'Our Public Libraries 2022' seeks to establish the library as an important enabler of digital services and facilitator of digital skills development. In addition to its 330 library branch network, the public library service provides an array of online and digital services. 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 57,000 eBooks and 43,000 eAudiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses.
Libraries are innovating, adapting and evolving and my Department will continue to support and enable their development taking account of technological and service innovations. A new Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 will be developed by my Department in association with the CCMA which will provide the framework for an inclusive, modern, sustainable and high quality public library service in Ireland.
