On Friday 25 February, Nelson McCausland MLA, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, opened officially the new £1.27 million Dungiven Library in its new location at 107 Main Street.
To celebrate the occasion a special programme of events was held in the library from 10.00am to 3.30pm highlighting the important role of the library as a focal point in the community and demonstrating the range of services provided to support learning, culture, heritage and information.
The day started with a Rhythm & Rhyme session (stories, songs and rhymes) for babies and pre-school children. Local author Claire Allan gave a talk and reading, while Dungiven’s own talented traditional musicians Nollaig Brolly (harpist and singer), along with Packie Kealey (fiddler) and his son Padraig provided the musical entertainment. In addition there were weaving demonstrations, GOT IT (internet and email) sessions and staff were on hand to show visitors how to start researching a family tree and browse the heritage website Ancestry (Library Edition). Staff members were also kept busy providing visitors with tours of the new library throughout the course of the day.
Dr David Elliott, Chairperson of Libraries NI welcomed guests and invited Libraries Minister Nelson McCausland MLA to open the library.
Speaking after a tour of the new premises, Minister McCausland said:
“This significant investment by the Northern Ireland Executive of £1.27m in our public library service enables the vision for a modern library service to be delivered for all citizens in this community. It marks the twelfth new library to have been opened since my Department was established and many more have undergonerefurbishment.
“A modern library must meet the needs of the 21st century and should offer a flexible and responsive service. It should provide a vibrant, dynamic focal point in the community, but most importantly, it must assist and encourage people in fulfilling their potential. I am proud to say that Dungiven Library fits this bill.”
Dr David Elliott, Libraries NI Chairperson, said:
“Libraries provide a central hub for learning, information, culture, reading and heritage and since opening its doors in October, Dungiven Library has been holding a range of events to support these themes. I know that the people of Dungiven will make tremendous use of this new facility and that it will play a valuable role in the community.”
Other speakers at the event included the Mayor of Limavady, Councillor Michael Carten and the Chief Executive of Libraries NI, Irene Knox.
This new state-of-the art library has been zoned to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers. There is a large area for children, computers in several parts of the library and a welcoming relaxing area at the front of the building. There is also plenty of space to browse, read and relax. There are ten computers with free internet access for use by adults and children, with staff support available in basic computer skills and using the internet.
The library also provides a well-equipped meeting room, with air-conditioning and catering facilities which can be hired at very competitive rates to local companies and groups.
During March, the library has planned several events, including Family Mornings, World Book Day events, Asian Dance and Beat the Recession workshops. Ask in the library for more information.
Bernadette McCloskey, Dungiven Branch Library Manager said:
“Libraries NI is committed to providing first class library services to local communities, such as Dungiven, as demonstrated by the opening of this impressive modern library. I am excited that we have already had many new customers wanting to use the facilities and services offered by Dungiven Library and along with Maeve Doherty, Library Assistant and Jean Fitzpatrick, Area Manager, we look forward to welcoming many more returning and new customers to the library. Library membership is free and I would encourage everyone to come along and use our excellent facilities”
For further information, contact Dungiven Library on telephone number 028 7774 1475 or email dungiven.library@librariesni.org.uk
See Photos of the launch of the new library below. Click on any Enlarge Image link to view slideshow.
