Call to extend Athlone's library

Athlone could have a “world class library and learning facility” if the council committed to extending the current facility by utilising unused “derelict and idle” space at the back of the Civic Centre.

That was the ambition articulated by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke at the April meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, who urged the local authority to come up with a plan for the future of the premises and apply for funding to the Libraries Capital Programme 2023.

While the response to his idea from the executive was lukewarm, he was supported by other members who believed it should be explored by way of a feasibility study or plan.

Speaking about his idea, Cllr O'Rourke said there are a lot of good reasons to do it, not least the unused space and the fact the funding stream is there. At the moment there is not enough study facilities, there is no space for a dedicated children's library which has been moved a few times or a dedicated sensory room downstairs. His vision for the library would along the lines of what's available in Europe where there would be a community meeting space, local archive space where exhibits relating to John Broderick and John Count McCormack could be displayed, maybe an area for coding or podcasting, an environmental section, a soft play area and a dedicated sensory room downstairs.

The money is there courtesy of the Libraries Capital Programme and the space is “derelict and idle,” Cllr O'Rourke maintained, adding that he'd love to see the council be ambitious about the library which is very well used by the public. He also asked if signage could be put on the building as visitors have no idea what it is until they come close and see the books.

He was supported by Fine Gael's John Dolan, who said that libraries have changed and the local staff have great foresight and are constantly pushing the boundaries and it is up to the members to support them.

“The library is an experience now, it's not just about books. It's a very busy place,” he told last Monday week's meeting, urging the council to “have a serious look at it” and put a plan together to apply for funding.

It's a timely motion according to Independent Cllr Paul Hogan, who said it is coming up on 20 years old, and he would support anything that enhances the library as a learning environment. He appealed to the council to speak to the stakeholders and carry out a feasibility study as a first step.

Green Cllr Louise Heavin also supported the idea of a bigger library, saying that the town is growing and it is used by a much broader section of population than before. She said the courtyard would make a great public space.

While Director of Services, Barry Kehoe, said it was a hard motion to argue against, he did say the County Librarian and management are looking at the entire geography of library services and places where it is not as good.

The ambition for a world class library is a good one, he agreed but he stressed that the town has a very good library currently. Of course, it could always be improved, Mr Kehoe told the council meeting and it is a question of priorities going forward. He suggested with My Open Library coming on stream in Athlone, and the feedback from Mullingar has been very good, that a conversation with the County Librarian would be useful.

Members agreed to invite the County Librarian to meet them in the near future.