Tullamore library refurb delayed

Planned refurbishment of Tullamore library has been pushed back by at least two months. According to Offaly County Council's annual report the refurbishment project was due to commence last month. However a library spokesperson said today work is expected to begin instead by the end of July. Planning permission was received last year for the library refurbishment, and approval to progress to tender received from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Today however a spokesperson said that while the tender is gone to the department for approval the library won't be moving to a temporary premises until early July, with work to start at the end of the same month. Plans for the new library include a multi-functional community space, dedicated ICT training area, meeting rooms, study rooms, exhibition areas and self-service facilities. This setback excluded, Offaly libraries were the success stories of 2010 according to statistics released in Offaly County Council's 2010 annual report. Visitor numbers increased 16% to 208,034 last year in Offaly libraries, while membership also saw a 10% increase in numbers to 11,913. Increased membership saw 227,925 items loaned, a 13% increase on the year before. Library internet sessions also increased by 26% to 48,591. Wifi was introduced to libraries in Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry and Clara, while self-technology was introduced in Birr, Edenderry and Clara. A free text service to let library members know about event, new books and overdue items was also launched.