Delight in Charlestown as library is finally re-opened

There was delight in Charlestown last week following the reopening of the local library after more than three years.

Concern had been expressed by locals as the facility had been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The protracted closure occurred due to an unfilled librarian vacancy and renovation work was also carried out on the premises.

Local Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry Murray, who highlighted the closure at numerous meetings of the local authority, said the reopening was very positive news and he urged members of the community to use the facility.

Children from St Attracta's National School attended several recent events that were held during the library service's Children's Book Festival.

Cllr Murray said many other events are being planned and the facility will be a fantastic resource once again for people in Charlestown and the surrounding areas.

"People are really glad to see it reopened and in order to keep it open you have to have the footfall," he said. "We are all used to the cliché, 'Use it or lose it' and I would be encouraging people to sign up and use the facility."

Cllr Murray said people can access online resources, browse the extensive collection of books and order in any book they wish to read which can be delivered within a week.

Newly appointed librarian Elizabeth Maher will also be available to welcome new and older members back to the facility.

Charlestown Library will be open from 12pm to 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 11am until 4pm on Saturdays.

For further details, see www.mayo.ie.