Three public libraries in Galway have been allocated a total of €100,000 for essential upgrades and alterations in response to new demands created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The measures are aimed at providing a safer and more efficient environment for library users during the pandemic, and will include renovations, extensions, occupancy control systems, and other adaptations in line with public health requirements.
The €37,017 allocation for Westside Library in Galway city will go towards an occupancy control system and work on its windows. Clifden public library has been allocated €65,667 for a new roof and new door, and a book drop and occupancy control system; while the €8,400 for the library in An Spidéal will go towards painting, an accessible toilet, and the introduction of an occupancy control system.
.
The works will begin in the coming weeks and should be completed by the end of this year or early 2021. Other measures introduced by libraries in line with public health advice include the installation of study pods and perspex screens.
'The restrictions have got a lot of people reading and studying more, and reminded us of the importance and value of public libraries'
The funding has been welcomed by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, and Fine Gael Galway West TD, Hildegarde Naughton, who said the upgrades would help "strengthen the libraries’ position as a community hub".
.
“The restrictions communities have faced since the outbreak of this pandemic have got a lot of people reading and studying more, and reminded us of the importance and value of public libraries,” she said.
“Like many businesses, organisations, and all of us as individuals, libraries are having to change the way they operate during these unprecedented and challenging times. This investment is a helping hand in order to better serve their communities.”
