Ambitious plan agreed for Mayo's library service
Sisters Fidelma and Faina Salami with their friend Mariam Oladimeji at the launch of Summer Stars 2023 reading initiative at Mayo County Library. Picture: Alison Laredo
A plan for the development of libraries in Mayo during the next five years was adopted by the local authority at last week’s meeting.
County Librarian Austin Vaughan, who was praised by councillors, said two million items were loaned by the 14 libraries in Mayo and two million people used the facilities during the past six years.
“This is the draft plan that I believe charts a course for a high-quality service for the library over the next five years."
Mr Vaughan said library staff were pleased by the development of the service and aim to increase visitors to their libraries over the coming years. He stated that libraries are the best-used council service and it is possible to order any book from public libraries nationwide and have it within one week.
Mr Vaughan said there are sensory hubs in the libraries in Castlebar, Ballina, Swinford and Belmullet.
He insisted Mayo libraries are now cultural, heritage hubs as opposed to just buildings where books are accessed.
“Our vision is aligned with the council and in relation to the quality of life for the people of Mayo and culture, heritage and reading,” he added.
Cllr Michael Burke and Cllr Gerry Murray commended Mr Vaughan and the library service with Cllr Murray stating that libraries are more vital than ever in these times of "fake news".
