Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the efforts his Department are making to encourage the public to utilise the asset of the public library network. [68346/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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The Public Library Strategy 2023-2027, "The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration" focuses on transforming libraries into multi-purpose, accessible community hubs and not just repositories for books.

Initiatives such as the My Open Library service enhances public libraries by extending opening hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days a year, providing greater flexibility and access for members.

Investment in ICT equipment by my department has further contributed to the enhancement of library services to support digital inclusion and skills training.

My department has also provided funding for the provision of sensory rooms, pods, "Magic Tables" (interactive tables for people with dementia, autism, and learning difficulties), and other sensory equipment to make libraries more inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent people and others with specific needs.

The mobile library service is an effective means of serving isolated rural and urban communities and funding has been provided from the Libraries Capital Programme 2023 – 2027 for 12 next generation mobile libraries.

Furthermore, specific strategic initiatives have been implemented with the goal of enhancing library membership, participation and visibility throughout all 330 public libraries nationwide.

The rollout of the new Library Management System in 2022, brought about “single access membership” whereby patrons have access to all public libraries nationwide with one membership card.

Ireland Reads – a national campaign to promote reading for pleasure and wellbeing - takes place throughout February each year. Supported by public libraries, it collaborates with schools and many organisations that promote literacy and the arts.

The national “Skills for Life” programme helps people build essential skills for the modern world, covering areas like digital literacy, financial awareness, well-being, and sustainable living.

The Annual National Public Libraries Open Day provides a platform for libraries across the country to showcase their diverse range of services and offerings. This year, the event was held on September 27th, following a nationwide promotional campaign. Libraries participated by hosting a wide variety of engaging events designed to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Funding of over €236,000 was allocated by my department in 2024 to support My Little Library Bag, which is an initiative under the 'First 5' Strategy. This initiative is aimed at 4 and 5 year olds starting school and encourages them to join the library. As a result, between May and November of this year, over 19,500 children have registered as new library members.

My Department is also investing significantly in the development of libraries through the Library Capital Programme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. I am committed to ensuring libraries remain accessible, inclusive, and dynamic civic spaces for all community members.