Local councillor calls for ‘transformation’ of Athlone’s town library

An Athlone councillor has called for a dramatic transformation of the town's public library into a "flagship centre for learning, research, music, culture and local heritage" in the coming years.

The comments from Cllr Aengus O'Rourke came after €107,000 was allocated this month toward a feasibility study on developing a county archives and library extension in the town.

The six-figure grant, allocated under the EU Just Transition Fund, is to be spent on a study outlining the options for a co-located county archives and library extension development in Athlone.

Cllr O'Rourke welcomed the funding, saying it followed on from proposals he had raised at council level for a "substantial expansion and modernisation" of the library in order to make it a "best-in-class facility" for Athlone and the wider Midlands.

"Athlone deserves a flagship library and cultural facility that reflects the size, importance and ambition of our town," he stated.

He argued the development proposals should go far beyond simply a conventional library extension and should include a focus on prominent people from the Athlone area.

"My vision is for something much more than additional shelving and book storage. I would love to see a modern, vibrant centre where people of all ages can learn, study, research, create and explore our local history," Cllr O'Rourke commented.

"We should be looking at dedicated quiet study and research areas, modern digital facilities, meeting and learning spaces, and even acoustically insulated rooms where young musicians and others could practice their instruments without disturbing other library users.

"I would also love to see a permanent exhibition and heritage space where we could celebrate the remarkable people who have shaped Athlone's cultural and artistic history.

"Count John McCormack, one of the world's most celebrated tenors, and John Broderick, our internationally recognised novelist, are just two examples of people whose stories and memorabilia deserve to be showcased in a prominent and accessible public setting.

"We have a rich cultural history in Athlone, but much of it is scattered, stored away or simply not visible to the public. A redeveloped library could provide a wonderful home for that heritage, allowing residents, schoolchildren and visitors to discover and appreciate it."

The Fianna Fáil councillor pointed out that, internationally, libraries were increasingly becoming multi-purpose community, educational and cultural destinations.

"The best libraries today are not simply places to borrow books. They are centres of knowledge, creativity, technology, community activity and lifelong learning.

"We have an opportunity to explore a much wider vision, and I will continue to raise this with Westmeath County Council to ensure that the educational, musical, cultural and heritage elements are given proper consideration.

"Let's not simply build a bigger library. Let's build a better one - one that Athlone can be genuinely proud of for decades to come," he concluded.