No u-turn on controversial library opening cutbacks

Hopes that an Offaly County Council would consider reversing controversial reductions in opening hours at libraries in Daingean, Banagher and Kilcormac reversed have been dashed. The issue was before a special sub committee of the council yesterday (Thursday). Speaking to the Offaly Independent shortly after the meeting concluded chair of the strategic policy committee Cllr Molly Buckley confirmed reduced library hours in place since mid-April would remain. However she encouraged any affected groups to set up a meeting with director of service Sean Murray and county librarian Mary Stuart in order to find a way around the problem. She also pointed out that the library now offers an e-book service, making book borrowing possible without visiting a physical library building. Cllr Buckley said committee members attending the Thursday morning meeting gave the topic of libraries a lot of discussion. However she said that while members were in favour of increased hours the figures just won't add up to allow that. "The bottom line is the money isn't there," she said. "If there was more money we would all like to see increased hours but the money just isn't there." She said a suggestion put forward previously that would see library hours shaved from larger urban libraries and given to rural libraries in order to maintain the service was also discussed. However she said new opening arrangements are based on numbers using the library service. She also suggested that reduced hours at libraries in Daingean, Banagher and Kilcormac actually represent a "more focused service". Cllr Buckley said the library service in Offaly is presently responding to changing ways of delivering its service, namely via e-books. Using electronic methods bypasses the need to visit physical library buildings and take out physical library books. However the councillor admitted the greater issue is replacing the role libraries played as community meeting points for a variety of community groups. "There'll be talk and communication on how that'll be accommodated," she said, adding that "the big message is 'come and talk'. "At present with the resources library hours won't be increase in the foreseeable future, but there can be ways of working around it." She also said that the library service is hoping also to work with schools, as children aged under twelve are one of the library's main user groups along with those aged over 60.