Kilkenny’s age-friendly libraries recognised
Eight local libraries and Kilkenny County Council’s mobile library service have been awarded Age Friendly Status.
Welcoming the news, Kilkenny County Council said the library service has been “working under the guidance of Age Friendly Ireland to achieve this status”.
A spokesperson said: “Following staff training and a consultation process with local groups, organisations and library members, actions were identified at each branch. These actions were then implemented across the library network to improve the library experience for older people in our communities.”
Some of the improvements made as part of the process include the provision of age friendly parking at Castlecomer Library and age friendly trolleys at Graiguenamanagh, Ferrybank and Loughboy libraries.
The council said all library branches have reading aids available for borrowers to use during visits, as well as “providing an extensive programme of events for older people”.
It added: “This Autumn, Kilkenny Service has been delighted to partner with the Kilkenny County Council Age Friendly Programme, The Older People’s Council, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, HSE, and An Garda to develop a programme of events and activities for older people at the new Mayfair Library. This programme ran over eight weeks, with various speakers covering topics such as health and well-being, community safety, assisted decision-making and safeguarding. “
Kilkenny Library Service Age Friendly Co-ordinator Karyn Deegan said: “We are delighted at our recent achievement of receiving an Age Friendly Status for our libraries, as it recognises the effort of our staff to provide an inclusive provision of service to older people and we look forward to continuing our partnership with local organisations to develop future programmes and supports for our local communities.”
PICTURED: Majella Byrne, Mayfair Library, Michael Delahaunty, Older Person’s Council, Caitriona Kenneally, Mayfair Library, Josephine Coyne, County Librarian, Donal McEllin, Mayfair Library, Karyn Deegan, Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Kilkenny Library Service, Nuala Roche, Mayfair Library.
