This article is from page 22 of the 2007-12-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
SINCE the opening of the library building in Scariff last month, hun- dreds of new members have signed up to rediscover the joy of reading.
The library staff are delighted, if a little overwhelmed, with the re- sponse from the public to the airy, state of the art new facility.
‘“We’ve been inundated. It’s amaz- ing,’ 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.”
SU slomebbeKnoi(omrI MBE: bla Comers mmnats new library, which shares it’s home with Clare County Council’s new
offices, 1s tremendous, Caroline ex- plained.
“In the temporary building, the li- brary was only open 18 hours a week – noW we open more than 50 hours, with two late evenings until 8pm and people find Saturday opening from 10am to 2pm good. They can come when the children are off school.”
The new building is home to 20,000 books, a huge leap in the book stock 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, 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 com- ing months.
“We have an exhibition space so were hoping to stage exhibitions,’ 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 ICO) ays: 0 Kem One
In addition to visiting the library, people will also be able to take ad- vantage of the council offices being in the same building to pay bills, col-
lect forms and get information on is- sues 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 3pm on Friday, December 21 and will re- open on Friday, December 28 at 10 am. They are closing for New Year at Spm on Monday, December 31 and re-opening on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 10 am.
Telephone 061-922893 for details.