Library users would like longer opening hours and coffee

MEMBERS of the public would like to see longer library opening hours in Mayo.

They'd also like to avail of coffee facilities as they are staying longer when visiting their local library.

A library services strategy for the county is at draft stage, with members of Mayo County Council's Culture, Education, Heritage and Corporate Affairs committee updated on it by county librarian Austin Vaughan at a meeting.

The mission, he said, is to make Mayo libraries the best in Ireland.

Libraries, said Mr. Vaughan, are all about communities and there are 14 branches across Mayo. Membership is free and fines no longer apply.

Consultation has been taking place with the public and they would like later opening in the evenings, especially at exam time.

Study spaces are also hugely popular, said Mr. Vaughan, where you can come in and plug in your laptop.

And there was a request for coffee as people are staying longer.

Nationally, 23% of people are library members with many more using the services without joining.

It is planned to have the out of hours open library service available in Swinford and Ballina, where members would have access between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. seven days a week, and when the new library comes on stream in Westport.