Eight Kilkenny libraries get €112,000 in technology funding

EIGHT public libraries located across Kilkenny city and county have benefitted significantly from a technology investment to support local people to learn and develop digital skills, Minister John Paul Phelan has said.

Last July funding of over €8 million was approved by Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring to invest in technology for libraries around the country.

Since then more than €112,000 has been invested in state-of-the-art ICT upgrades for Kilkenny’s public libraries, which include Kilkenny City Library, Loughboy, Ferrybank, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Urlingford and Callan.

Minister Phelan (pictured below) said: “Libraries in Kilkenny received a wide range of equipment, including 68 new PCs, 26 tablets, 20 iPads, smart devices and laptops as well as 43 Office 2019 software packages, a 3D printer, a self-printing mobile wi-fi kiosk and so much more.

“It’s great to see that the investment in our libraries that was approved last summer is bearing fruit for local library users right across Kilkenny. The new technology and facilities will enhance public libraries in Kilkenny and the new innovative services they provide.

“Our libraries are about much more than borrowing books. Increasingly, they serve as community hubs and as somewhere where people can learn and develop digital skills. We are transforming our libraries through investments like this and it’s great to see the impact it’s having.”

Minister Ring said: “The transformation of the digital services in libraries is another step towards realising the aims of the public library strategy Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities which was launched in 2018. The strategy focuses on removing barriers to access and improving accessibility for all.”