Library a Hit With Bookworms

Clare People, Tuesday, 25th December 2007

Since the opening of the library building in Scariff last month, hundreds of members have signed up to rediscover the joy of reading. The library staff are delighted, if a little overwhelmed, with the response from the public to the airy, state of the art new facility.

"We've been inundated. It's amazing", said Senior Librarian, Caroline Ahearne. "We have had literally hundreds of new members joining and a lot of people whose memberships had lapsed have come back to us".

The difference in facilities in the new library, which shares it's home with Clare County Council's new offices, is tremendous, Caroline explained. "In the temporary building, the library was only open 18 hours a week - now we open more than 50 hours, with two late evenings until 8.00pm, and people find Saturday opening from 10.00am to 2.00pm good. They can come when the children are off school".

The new building is home to 20,000 books, a huge leap in the bookstock for the Scariff facility, eight internet connected PC's and a whole range of music and film DVD's which were never available before. Photocopying facilities and a full range of newspapers, magazines and other publications are also available. Last week, the library played host to Christmas storytime and craft and games sessions for youngsters who came along to enjoy the fun and make their own Christmas cards.

The four full-time and one part-time staff who have been brought on board to up the staffing from one part-timer all hope to see many more of these activities in the coming months. "We have an exhibition space so we're hoping to stage exhiitions", said Caroline. "And we have room for things like regular arts and crafts classes and storytelling, so there will be a whole new programme to look forward to".

In addition to visiting the library, people will also be able to take advantage of the council offices being in the same building to pay bills, collect forms and get information on issues such as planning. "It's a very exciting new start and we're looking forward to having lots more events for people to attend here as well as welcoming new members", said Caroline.

The library will close at 3.00pm on Friday, December 21 and will re-open on Friday, December 28 at 10.00am. They are closing for New Year at 5.00pm on Monday, December 31 and re-opening on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 10.00am. Telephone 061-922893 for details.

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