Date: 5 August 2022
Deputy Steven Matthews, Green Party TD for Wicklow, has said that new funding for extra equipment, classes and activities will benefit library users across Wicklow. This is part of an initiative that aims to make libraries more accessible for children, older people, asylum seekers, refugees and people with disabilities. Welcoming the supports for libraries, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted that libraries in Wicklow will benefit from this funding announced by my Green Party colleague and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD. Eight projects will be launched to assist libraries in the Garden County to reach out to marginalised and disadvantaged communities. These include a comic book club for children with dyslexia, inter-generational singing sessions for people in care homes, a programme encouraging people in prison to become library members, 20 C-PEN readers for children and adults who experience reading difficulties and a range of other digital supports to promote literacy and research skills.
“Libraries are an incredibly valuable public resource and are at the centre of our communities. The Green Party in Government is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds can access and benefit from library services. In March, we introduced the First Five Little Library Initiative to provide a selection of free books to children starting school in September. Last April, I was delighted to attend the opening of the new Rathdrum library which will benefit library users in South Wicklow. There has also been a recent expansion in My Open Library services in Wicklow Town and Arklow, which will enable people in these areas to visit their local library outside of normal opening hours.
“I would like to thank all of the wonderful staff who work incredibly hard to deliver high-quality and inclusive library services in Wicklow. If anyone has questions about access to library services in Wicklow, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any support I can”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
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