New chapter for Kilbeggan library

A new chapter is set to start for the Westmeath library service this week, with the opening on Thursday of the revamped library in Kilbeggan.

A "significant investment" has been made in the enhancement and upgrading of the library, which has been closed for some time, Westmeath County Council has stated, ahead of the re-opening.

The library is to initially open on a limited schedule, "in order to ensure smooth opening and operations, and to allow staff to finalise new systems".

That schedule will see the library open between 10am and 5 pm this Thursday and Friday, and from Monday to Friday of next week.

"Regular staffed hours will come into operation from 9.40am on Monday December 1 and My Open Library (MOL) service provision will commence on Monday December 8," a council statement said.

It added that library staff are looking forward to welcoming old and new members into the "refreshed bright and inviting space".

"The refurbishment has transformed the space into a modern library encouraging reading, creativity, learning and connections."

Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help new members find out how to book study spaces, use the print, scan and copy service, pick up free Little Library Bags for children who started national school in September or just sit and read.

Anyone curious about what the library has to offer can drop in and find out more about:

· Free library membership

· Access to books, digital material and online resources

· Sensory supports

· Programme of free events

The refurbishment of the 200 year old building was funded by Westmeath County Council and the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The redesign was overseen by Westmeath County Council’s in-house architectural team.