Latest news with #MyOpenLibrary
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Students prepare for Leaving Cert in 'peaceful' Sligo library
For Leaving Certificate students, Tubbercurry Community Library is an oasis of calm. Throughout the month of May, around 35 students have been coming every day to study in its bright spaces and under its high ceilings. They love the environment, but also the sense of camaraderie that comes from working side by side with others in the same boat. "It's a very open space where you can get focused without getting distracted," Ben O'Brien told RTÉ News. "I feel like it's better than home because there you can be interrupted all the time." Cian Foran agreed and said: "At home the bed is behind me, and you just want to go for a sleep or something, you know." The library has another feature that the students love. It was among the first in the country to open up to users after hours through the 'My Open Library' scheme, which allows members to swipe into the library in the evenings and at weekends and to use it unsupervised until 10pm. More than a decade since the self-service facility was introduced, librarian Stephen Healy said: "We are at our busiest yet." He said, particularly in May, Leaving Certificate students are driving the use of the library. "It's peaceful in the evenings. There are no distractions," said student Evan Finn. Both he and Gemma Meehan especially value the sense of support they get from being with others. "When you see other people here studying, it kinda pushes you to do more," Gemma said. Late last week, many of these students were focusing on the English papers. The exams begin tomorrow with English Paper 1, and the second English Paper is on Thursday afternoon. In keeping with their peaceful and purposeful surroundings, these students seem calm and collected. It seems they are taking it all in their stride. "I'm a bit nervous but hopefully when it starts I won't be as nervous," said Erin King. "[With English] there's a lot of writing and a lot to know," Erin said. "It shouldn't be too bad," said Kian Scanlon. "All you have to know is the stories and poems, so it's not really too much ... just a bit of study and you'll get through it," Kian added. Most of the Leaving Cert students using the library are students at St Attracta's Community School in the town. Bláithín Lavin felt English Paper 1 "should be all right". For English Paper 2, she is hoping that poet Eavan Boland will appear. "A lot of people are, if she comes up I'll be all right," she said. In terms of study, Bláithín said she was "taking it day by day". Kate McCarthy was using a whiteboard to write out material she has learned off, as a way of memorising it. She feels quite prepared. "I'm definitely not stressing. Once we start we will get into the swing of it. In our school we do a lot of tests and the teachers are very prepared with sample answers," she said. "I'm not really too stressed about the exams. I'm mainly prioritising English; I think most people are," said Colm Conroy Kelly. "[With subjects like] history or Irish or maths I wouldn't be too strong on points, if I just pass them, then in my stronger subject, English, I should do decent enough and that should carry it," Colm said. "I can't speak highly enough of them," said Stephen Healy. "They create a great buzz around the library, and we always miss them when they are gone," he said. However, these students will be using the library for a few weeks yet. The exams begin tomorrow and run until 24 June. Aaron Duffy is another student who is taking things day by day.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Good news for Cork book lovers in three key towns as library open hours expand to year-round service
The My Open Library service enables registered users to access a library from 8 am to 10 pm, 365 days a year, even when it's not staffed. The service was already available at Bandon and Fermoy libraries and Cork County Council has now rolled it out to three more locations with plans to add Mallow later in the year. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and Cork County Council, the My Open Library installation at Carrigaline, Kinsale, and Mallow Libraries has generated a 145% increase in the number of available service hours to the community at each location, rising from 40 hours to 98 hours per week. Speaking at the launch, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities and with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, said: 'It is fantastic to see that the service is currently available in 23 of our 30 library authorities and I must praise our library authorities and library staff for being so progressive in meeting the needs of their communities. Our public libraries are a home-from-home for our elderly, our young people, and our new communities and now they will be able to avail of those services every day of the year, from morning till night.' Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said: "The expansion is a strategic ambition for Cork County Council's Library & Arts Service which aims to improve access, use and visibility of the library as a community hub, and as a focal point for community and cultural development. The success of My Open Library is in the flexibility that it offers communities to visit their local library at a time that works for them. More than 50,000 visits have been made to Bandon and Fermoy libraries outside of regular library opening hours since 2022 with increased usage by students, remote workers, families, older adults and community groups.' The launch of the My Open Library service coincided with the opening of the newly refurbished Carrigaline Library. The upgrades 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. 'Libraries are at the heart of our towns and villages, providing so much more than books,' Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said, adding: 'They are community hubs and safe spaces to study, learn and work. The newly refurbished Carrigaline Library is a bright, welcoming, modern, high-tech space that has a place for everyone." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Examiner
27-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Libraries offer a sense of belonging for students far from home
For any international student, feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and self-doubt are all too common. Charting a cross-continent route from India, I experienced all of these when I landed in Ireland. However, books are always a friend in times of uncertainty — and for me, Dublin's libraries became a safe haven. Libraries offer a secure and welcoming environment, which is crucial for international students navigating life in a new country. Being a journalist, reading and researching form the cornerstone of my life. The ways in which Irish libraries have become a sanctuary for students is deeply fascinating. No matter where one comes from, libraries can play a dual role for students: one, as an introduction to the country's culture, and two, as a warm embrace for a new guest. Dublin City librarian Mairéad Owens emphasises that social inclusion is the foundational principle of Dublin City Libraries. In an email conversation, Owens says: 'We welcome international students and provide many services that may benefit them, including study spaces in a relaxed and friendly environment, free wi-fi, online language learning courses, conversation exchanges, access to online periodicals, and a wide repertoire of books — both hard copy and digital.' Whether writing assignments or preparing for exams, access to seminal readings and books forms an essential part of student life. The fact public libraries offer free membership, universal access across Ireland with a single library card, and a gateway to some of the most important repositories makes them the top choice for many. The recent launch of the National Library Strategy 'The Library is the Place' by the Government marks a bold new chapter in Ireland's cultural and educational landscape. Aimed at transforming every library into a multi-purpose education and social space, the strategy outlines a range of ambitious initiatives. Key goals include tripling the number of My Open Library facilities to more than 90 — ensuring access from 8am to 10pm year-round — and providing every user with access to book clubs. Arpita Chowdhury: 'Libraries are not just about reading. For international students, they are spaces for personal and intellectual growth.' The strategy places strong emphasis on rural outreach via mobile libraries, the national Skills for Life programme (focusing on digital and financial literacy), and the expansion of Irish-language services. These measures aim to boost visitor numbers, increase investment in books, and establish libraries as vibrant hubs for learning, culture, and community engagement. Many international students face language barriers. The adult education and language services provided by public libraries are an inclusive and effective way to help students and newcomers integrate into Irish society. In a digital age when many are moving online and global library footfall seems to be declining, Irish libraries are making concerted efforts to stay relevant. Initiatives like Right to Read, a national programme to promote literacy and reading development for all age groups and backgrounds, not only foster inclusivity but also keep the habit of reading alive. Ms Owens says: 'Dublin City Libraries are invested in our communities and have been both proactive and responsive in meeting their needs.' The inclusion of sensory rooms, sensory toys, assistive technology, and communication boards for visitors with autism reflects the library's commitment to accessibility and universal learning. Students often operate on odd schedules — pulling all-nighters or rising before dawn. For them, library resources can offer a much-needed safety net. The My Open Library initiative, which provides extended hours, is especially useful. Moreover, the home delivery of books for those who cannot physically access a library branch is a unique and thoughtful way to keep the flow of knowledge uninterrupted. The Library app is another helpful feature of libraries in Ireland, checking availabilities, catalogue features, book reservations and more — everything is accessible with one touch. To ensure public libraries continue to be the safe havens they are today, sustained funding and the expansion of services are crucial. Libraries are not just about reading. For international students, they are spaces for personal and intellectual growth. I've joined several book clubs, writing initiatives, and literary festivals through regular visits to public libraries. In many ways, I've come to understand Dublin through the eyes of its libraries. A quick stroll to my nearest branch always feels like a journey home. On several occasions, I've availed the inter-library loan facility to access books available across the city. For students on tight budgets, buying books is often not feasible. Libraries make sure we're covered. To ensure public libraries continue to be the safe havens they are today, sustained funding and the expansion of services are crucial. Modernising library spaces with the latest technology is essential to attract younger generations. While college libraries do offer 24/7 access and quiet study rooms, public libraries should also step in to provide similar facilities — especially meeting rooms and dedicated study areas for students who lack private spaces at home. As international students continue to flock to libraries, let's make sure these welcoming spaces are supported, updated, and celebrated for the lifelines they truly are.
