Work to start on My Open Library project in Athlone

Contracts have been signed for long-awaited construction works at Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone, which will allow for the provision of My Open Library (MOL) services at the library.

Westmeath Libraries this week announced that contracts were signed on August 21 between Westmeath County Council and M. Bracken & Sons for the construction works.

The project will being delivered under the My Open Library scheme and is being funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and Westmeath County Council.

The development will consist of works to provide a new separate entrance for the library. Further upgrade works include the replacement of existing lighting with energy efficient LED lights, and installation of a new platform lift to the lower ground floor.

Some minor upgrades will also take place on the ground floor of the entrance foyer of the civic offices.

The main contractor for the project is Michael Bracken and Sons, which is based in Ballycumber, and won the contract by public competitive tender process.

The scheme for Aidan Heavey Library is designed by Westmeath County Council’s in-house architectural team and JA Gorman consulting engineers.

Due to the nature of the works, the library will be closed for a period. Construction dates will be confirmed soon. During the closure, borrowers will be able to continue using their library card to borrow from any other public library.

Members can continue to have instant access to the library's online services, which includes audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, newspapers, and online classes.

My Open Library (MOL) is a scheme which allows self-service access to the library outside of staffed times, between 8am to 10pm 365 days per year. Access to the library is gained by members of the scheme by swiping a card.