Libraries NI and Commissioner for Older People Strengthen Partnership to Support Older People

Libraries NI and the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI) have strengthened their commitment to supporting older people across Northern Ireland with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding.

The three-year agreement, signed by Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan and Commissioner for Older People Siobhan Casey, will build on the organisations’ existing partnership and create further opportunities to support older people through local libraries.

Photo: Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan and Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Siobhan Casey sign a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding at Lisburn City Library, strengthening the partnership between the two organisations to support older people across Northern Ireland.

Running from 2026 to 2029, the partnership will focus on improving access to information, support and learning, while increasing awareness of the services available through both organisations.

With libraries in communities across Northern Ireland, Libraries NI provides free, welcoming spaces where people can read, learn, access trusted information, develop digital skills and take part in activities which help them to connect with others. The partnership recognises the important role these everyday opportunities can play in helping people remain informed, active and engaged as they get older.

The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland works to safeguard and promote the rights and interests of older people and ensure their voices are heard. COPNI provides support and advocacy for older people experiencing difficulties with public services, while also working to influence policy and practice, promote positive attitudes towards ageing and encourage the participation of older people in public life.

By working together, Libraries NI and COPNI can bring this expertise and support directly into local communities, making it easier for older people to access useful information and services and find opportunities to learn, participate and stay engaged.

Libraries NI and COPNI have already worked together on a range of initiatives, including Changing Attitudes to Ageing events, which brought organisations and communities together to encourage positive attitudes towards ageing, highlighting practical ways for people to support their health and wellbeing.

The partnership also supported the advantAGE photographic exhibition, celebrating the lives and experiences of older people in Northern Ireland, which has toured libraries across Northern Ireland.
 
Under the new agreement, Libraries NI and COPNI will continue to work together to increase awareness of the support available to older people, to encourage active and continued learning, to promote reading and wellbeing, and to improve awareness of access to digital services.

Photo: Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan and Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Siobhan Casey at Lisburn City Library following the signing of a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding between Libraries NI and COPNI.

Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive, said:

“Libraries have an important role to play in supporting people throughout every stage of life. For older people in particular, having somewhere local where they can access information, get help with digital services, continue learning, enjoy reading or simply take part in activities with others can make a real difference.
“Our partnership with the Commissioner for Older People helps us build on that role and make sure older people know that their local library is there for them. We look forward to continuing our work together and developing more opportunities that respond to the needs and interests of older people across Northern Ireland.”

Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Casey said:  “I’m delighted to formally strengthen the existing relationship between my office and Libraries NI.  Libraries NI offers much more than books, they are accessible, friendly and trusted community spaces and older people often tell me they rely on them to get information, to learn and to connect.  Libraries offer a vital resource and play a significant role in reducing social isolation and ensuring older people feel connected and included in their community.
   
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Libraries NI over the remainder of my term, including visiting libraries and older people in those communities who use them.  Together we can engage more meaningfully with our older communities and develop more opportunities for older people to learn, participate and receive useful information.”

The Memorandum of Understanding reflects the shared commitment of Libraries NI and COPNI to ensuring older people can access services, opportunities and information within their communities and to promoting positive attitudes towards ageing across Northern Ireland.