Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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186. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public libraries that have reduced the floor space allocated to the display of books in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61394/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The provision of public library services is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Therefore, my department would not have information regarding the number of public libraries that have reduced the floor space allocated to the display of books. The deputy may wish to contact the local authorities for this information. 

Our public library service continues to provide an exceptional stock of books, and this extends beyond the volumes that are available for library members to browse on the shelves in their local branch. Members can also access a national online catalogue of 13 million books that allows them to order a book from any of the 330 public libraries in the country and have it delivered to their local branch. Furthermore, our public library service offers a collection of over 110,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks which has proven to be immensely popular recently, resulting in a 155% increase in user registrations for the service between 2019 and 2021. 

While continuing to provide an exemplary traditional and digital book service, our public libraries also offer spaces for study, relaxation and meetings. They provide free access to PCs, laptops and Wi-Fi along with printing and scanning services. They have recently expanded their offer to include sensory services and, as a result, a number of branches now offer sensory rooms and sensory pods which have been in huge demand. Libraries continue to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) education through their makerspaces which feature 3D printers and robotics kits. Libraries also host thousands of events every year in their branches, catering for all age groups, As is evidenced by all of these services, our public libraries continue to respond to the growing needs of their users and that ensures that they will retain their status as a valued space within the community.