Green TD Steven Matthews has welcomed the restoration of normal library services to Tinahely after a temporary reduction of opening hours in recent months. After direct consultation with Wicklow County Council, Deputy Matthews has been assured that a return to normal operating hours will recommence on the 23rd of January 2023.
Speaking after the confirmation, Deputy Matthews said:
“In recent weeks I have been contacted by a number of Tinahely residents who expressed their frustration over the reduction in hours of the local library service. I fully understand their concerns and acknowledge the extremely important role that these services play in our community. Libraries around Wicklow play an invaluable role in the lives of people, particularly families, encouraging engagement with reading and creativity in a convenient and accessible manner.
“Following engagement with Wicklow County Council, it was confirmed that the reduced operating hours that began prior to Christmas was due to a recent retirement of a staff member from the library. I am very happy to report that following the appointment of a new staff member, by the 23rd of January, library services will return to their normal opening hours of 19 hours per week. I hope that the resumption of this service, the imminent opening of a new library in Aughrim will ease the understandable frustrations of residents.
“In addition to fixed library services, residents also have access to the wonderful mobile library service which operates in Wicklow. The mobile library services 32 locations around Wicklow and offers a wide variety of reading and learning material and I would highly encourage people across wicklow, particularly in rural areas to keep track of where it will be.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the librarians and support staff of libraries across Wicklow who undertake vital work in our community. Their work allows local residents to access this vital service and I look forward to continuing my support of this going forward. I would also strongly encourage anyone that is not already a member of their local library, to join as soon as possible in order to enjoy the wonderful service which our libraries provide”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
留言