Libraries will benefit over next three years

Arts Minister Edwin Poots MLA, said today that the £31.6million three year capital programme for libraries will help modernise and improve public library facilities across Northern Ireland.

Speaking during a visit to Dromore Library, the Minister said: “The libraries capital budget for the next three years has more than doubled from £13.37million to £31.6million.

“This will allow a major programme of work to improve the library estate with high quality, fit-for-purpose libraries providing the facilities modern library users need. The overall spend on libraries will enable the Library Service to improve opening hours, continue to provide free internet access, spend more on books and deliver more library services on-line.”

The Minister continued: “I am also allocating funding of £750,000 to increase book stocks in libraries before the end of the current financial year. This will help to refresh existing bookstock and make sure that readers have access to quality books in plentiful supply.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to announce an additional £178,000 for the Bookstart Treasure Chest Programme in Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “Children who are introduced to books early can speak better, read better, write better and count better. They do better in school, in their careers and in time can play an important role in building the local economy.

“This extra funding will allow Bookstart to give the gift of free books to pre-school children who become library members. Not only does this encourage our children to read and enjoy books but it also promotes quality time and interaction between parents and children. It is an investment in our children and our society as a whole.”

Bookstart is a national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from an early an age as possible. Libraries in Northern Ireland work with Bookstart to give free books to children from as young as four months along with guidance materials for parents and carers on early language and listening skills.

Notes to Editors:

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