Libraries NI and Mid Ulster District Council Partner to Provide Alternative Library Services in Dungannon

Libraries NI is pleased to announce that, following the temporary closure of Dungannon Library, students and library users are able to access a temporary study and borrowing space in Ranfurly House, Dungannon.

The temporary facility is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 5pm each day with a late-night opening on Thursday until 7:30pm. This has been established to support students and local people while repair and reinstatement work continues in Dungannon Library following recent flooding damage.

The space provides a dedicated area for studying and independent work with access to Wi-Fi, available throughout the day. A selection of books is also available for customers to browse and borrow.

The temporary arrangement has been developed in response to the large number of local students who regularly rely on Dungannon Library as a place to study, particularly during exam season and the ongoing need for library services in the local area during the closure of Dungannon Library.

Photo (Left-Right): Catherine Fox, Arts and Facilities Development Manager, Mid Ulster District Council; Pauline Gallagher, Manager (Temporary), Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House; Margaret Bell, Libraries NI Head of Service; Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton; and Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive, pictured outside Ranfurly House in Dungannon as organisations work together to support alternative library services for the local community.
 
Dr Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said:

“We know how important Dungannon Library is to the local community, particularly for students at this time of year who depend on the library as a welcoming and supportive place to study. While repair works continue, we are very grateful to Mid Ulster District Council and the team at Ranfurly House for working with us to provide this temporary space for local people.

“This partnership means students continue to have access to a supportive study environment in the town centre, alongside a selection of library books during the closure period.”

Inside Ranfurly House, Dungannon, showing the temporary work and study space and book borrowing facilities established for library users during the temporary closure of Dungannon Library.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, said:

“Mid Ulster District Council is delighted to partner with Libraries NI to offer an immediate solution to the recent closure of Dungannon Library by offering a temporary space on the first floor of Ranfurly House. We recognise the importance of and are committed to providing an alternative space for members of the public to continue to access services, especially at this time of the year for students, who are studying for exams. This also allows vital in-person services and classes such as Rhythm and Rhyme to continue in the local area whilst Dungannon Library undergoes repair works.”

Dungannon Library remains temporarily closed while remedial work is carried out following significant flooding caused by issues within the underground drainage network serving the building.

Customers can continue to access Libraries NI’s online services, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, through the Libraries NI website. Loan periods on borrowed items have also been extended during the closure period.

For further updates on Dungannon Library keep an eye on our social media channels or view Dungannon Library's web page.