Extended opening hours at libraries in Carrigaline, Mallow and Kinsale

As book-lovers attended the opening of Carrigaline's newly refurbished library this week, it was also announced that readers in Cork's fastest growing town along with those in Kinsale and Mallow could now avail of extended opening hours which are being enabled by the new tech-driven service, My Open Library.  

This new service means that the libraries in the three towns will be open from 8am until 10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, equating to a rise from 40 hours to 98 hours per week or a 145% increase in opening hours at all participating facilities.  

The new extended opening hours has meant the upgrade inside and outside of Carrigaline Library to support the extension and local Fianna Fáil councillor, Patrick Donovan, deputising for County Mayor Joe Carroll, was on hand to cut the ribbon to the refurbished facility this week.  He was joined by Jerry Buttimer TD, the Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport at the opening event. 

In a statement, County Mayor, Joe Carroll described the newly refurbished library as a "bright, welcoming, modern, high-tech space that has a place for everyone". 

“Libraries are at the heart of our towns and villages providing so much more than books," he said. "They are community hubs and safe spaces to study, learn and work."

He added that the extended opening hours would be of particular benefit to those in the community whose hours of work made it difficult for them to attend their local library during regular staffed hours. 

The new additions at Carrigaline Library include a young adult zone with relaxed seating, a remodelled children’s area with more books and children’s worktables for homework, crafts and games, and comfortable seating in the windows for reading and watching the world go by. The multifunction community meeting room can be booked for use during the day and in the evening during My Open Library hours. Bike racks have also been installed outside to facilitate sustainable travel.

The Minister of State said that it was fantastic to see the My Open Library service now being available in 30 of the country's 33 local authorities while Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell said there were now five My Open Library locations in Cork and that the service would be extended to Macroom Library later this year.