Lismore Library will soon benefit from extended opening hours and self-service features, as part of the ‘My Open Library’ scheme.
Funding for new sensory equipment has also been earmarked for the branch, and installation of this equipment is to get underway in the coming months.
Opening hours
In November 2019, almost €120,000 was allocated to the library in Lismore to facilitate the rolling out the ‘My Open Library’ service to the branch.
The service allows access to public libraries on a self-service basis from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year, according to Waterford County Council.
Speaking about these extended hours, Minister Michael Ring said: “The My Open Library service extends the availability of library services to customers at times that suit them best, providing greater flexibility and convenience through increased opening hours in addition to the invaluable staffed hours.”
Magic table
Lismore library was also selected as one of just 22 libraries nationwide to receive funding for a Tovertafel ‘magic table’: a piece of equipment which is of particular benefit to people with learning difficulties, autism, and people living with dementia.
These ‘magic tables’ use light from an overhead projector, which projects images and games onto the table below. Sensors in the projector mean that the images become interactive.
The first ‘magic table’ is scheduled to be installed in Dungarvan in April, and a statement from Waterford Council notes: “This will be followed by the installation of a magic table in Lismore as part of the extension of the My Open Library, to the Lismore branch.”
