My Open Library available shortly

Users in Westmeath will soon be able to access their library from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

The extended opening times are part of My Open Library, a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing use and growing active membership from 16 per cent to 30 per cent. While the number of hours when libraries are staffed will remain the same, or increase in some cases, during the other opening hours new self service facilities will enable members to take out and return books without assistance. Members will be able to gain access to libraries with a fob key when the libraries are unstaffed.

At the December meeting of Westmeath County Council, held in Castlepollard, county librarian Mary Stuart revealed that the scheme will be rolled out in Castlepollard and Moate early next year once the necessary technology is installed.

In addition to Castlepollard and Moate, Westmeath County Council had applied for funding to introduce My Open Library in Mullingar and Athlone libraries, but were unsuccessful in this round, Ms Stuart said.

My Open Library was introduced on a pilot basis in Banagher and Tullamore libraries in Offaly and in Tubbercurry in County Sligo. In all three libraries membership increased significantly during the programme.

“It gives people the opportunity to visit the library at times that suit them. In addition to borrowing and returning books, people can use the computer, hold meetings, print documents and study seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“It removes barriers to access and encourages greater ownership of the library space,” Ms Stuart told councillors.

The news was welcomed by councillors from across the political spectrum.

Cllr Hazel Smyth described My Open Library as a “fantastic initiative”. She said that as someone who works from home a lot she regularly uses the services in Mullingar library.

Cllr Aoife Davitt complimented Westmeath Library Service for the great work that it does throughout the year.

“It’s such an invigorating place. The library is constantly reinventing itself. It’s becoming such a social place for the community and for students who don’t have broadband access at home, it’s so important,” she said.

Cllr Frankie Keena asked who would monitor noise levels and the behaviour of visitors when staff weren’t present in the library.

Ms Stuart said that in the libraries where the initiative has already been rolled out around the country, noise has not been an issue.

“People take ownership of the space and there have been very few issues,” she said.

Cllr Vinnie McCormack welcomed the news saying that second and third level students in particular will benefit from the extended opening times.

Cllr Denis Leonard said that My Open Library is a “wonderful initiative” and that “thankfully people are moving away from screens and moving back to books”. He also wondered if the new library planned for Kinnegad will be included in the initiative.

Ms Stuart said that the initiative will be rolled out to the library when it is constructed.