The Minister was commenting at Lisburn City Library as he launched the Festival which is running at libraries throughout the South Eastern Education and Library Board area between 16-23 May.
He said: “The Festival is a great example of the diverse programme of activities that libraries can offer, from authors to actors and poets to photographers, there is something for everyone.
“The new Lisburn Library is a magnificent facility with a varied and attractive programme of events that will draw people into libraries and I can see why the Beyond Words Festival is so worthwhile.
“Now as Minister responsible for libraries, I am looking forward to leading the revitalisation of our library service and continuing the work my Department has done so far in providing a modern service for a discerning public.”
Speaking about the importance of library services to the community, he said: “A modern library is a vibrant community resource that improves the quality of life for the local people. This cultural festival, which has a rich and exciting mix of events and exhibitions involving many talented performers and artists, is an excellent example of the contribution that a vibrant and modern library makes to the local community.
“Libraries are about encouraging the habit of reading and what better inspiration can there be to read than hearing an author read their own book or meeting a real poet.
“I would like to congratulate the South Eastern Education and Library Board for organising this Festival. There are Beyond Words Festival events in all the SEELB libraries and most of them are free, I would encourage anyone who can to attend.”
Notes to Editors:
The Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister is responsible for the Public Library Service, which is delivered by five Education and Library Boards.
The total library budget in Northern Ireland is around £34 million in the current financial year - £29 million recurrent and £5 million capital.
Since 1999 the library budget has increased by 16% in real terms.
£36 million (over 10 years) has been invested in the People’s Network, which provides public access to computers, including the internet in all libraries across Northern Ireland.
Capital investment of £23m in library buildings has produced new developments in the last four years including Lisburn, Cookstown, Castlederg, Irvinestown, Finaghy, Magherafelt, Strabane and Ballymena. Work is underway on major projects in Bangor and at the Grove.
There have also been a number of significant refurbishments of existing libraries and new mobile libraries, for example Armagh and Glengormley.
Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258917 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
