Kerry Library is one of over 300 libraries marking National Public Libraries Day 2024 on Saturday, September 28.
To coincide with the Day, the “Take a Closer Look” campaign is encouraging people to take a look at the wide-ranging free services open to them through their libraries.
Libraries countywide will host a range of activities for children on Saturday morning, including storytime, craft sessions and STEM play time.
National Public Libraries Open Day is an initiative to promote the role of public libraries in Irish society, raise awareness of the range of services they provide, and encourage people to become members.
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Over 784,000 people, equating to around one in six of the population, are members of libraries across Ireland, with membership free.
Tommy O’Connor, Kerry County Librarian said, “National Public Libraries Open Day provides a unique opportunity to promote library services and celebrate their role in Irish life.”
“Public libraries have considerably expanded the range of services on offer in recent years. Over 12 million items are available to borrow through libraries, including the latest best sellers, ebooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, CDs and DVDs, digital magazines, newspapers, online courses and online newspapers. Libraries also offer access to computers, free WiFi, study spaces and information to support citizens access to services, supports and education while the pick-up and drop-off option at any library is making services increasingly accessible,” he said.
Children’s services include thousands of books within different age ranges and as well as toddler, children and family events, school and early learning supports and sensory services. Libraries are spaces where exhibitions, book clubs, and language exchange take place. Libraries also offer information on history and heritage, genealogy, and wellbeing.
For people from underrepresented communities, library services provide vital cost-free supports to assist them in overcoming difficulties and through the reuse of books, hundreds of thousands of library members are practising environmental responsibility.
There are nine branch libraries in Kerry and two Mobile Libraries which serve rural communities and some of the major estates in urban areas, covering 84 locations countywide. Each Kerry has all day opening on Saturdays with late evening opening until 8.00pm in a number of libraries. “Take a Closer Look” and drop into your local library this coming Saturday and you will enjoy the discovery.
For further information check out www.kerrylibrary.ie