Local library hours won't be reduced

A public consultation on reducing opening hours was completed by Libraries NI, the outcome of which recently closed with over 8,000 responses received. The additional money will mean that Libraries NI will no longer need to consider imposing reduced opening hours in 14 of its busiest libraries - including Coleraine.

The Minister said: “People care deeply about this important resource based in their local communities which is why I am delighted to be in a position to announce this additional funding of £225,000. This money will allow Libraries NI to address some of the financial pressures that the organisation like so many others are currently facing.

“Public libraries are a vital community asset and in my view they have an important role to play in delivering activities and programmes which contribute to innovation, creativity, social and economic wellbeing, working in partnership with a wide range of both the statutory and voluntary sectors. They remain a valuable resource and one which I will continue to support.” The libraries that were to be affected were:- Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast Central, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Derry Central, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Finaghy, Glengormley, Lisburn City, Lurgan, Newry City and Omagh.