Fórsa trade union, which represents library workers across Ireland, has paid tribute to the Irish library service, ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day, which takes place tomorrow, Saturday 28th September.
Fórsa’s head of Local Government Services Richy Carrothers explained: “This Saturday communities across the nation will celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the invaluable contributions of public libraries and the dedicated staff who make them a cornerstone of our communities.
“It’ll be an opportunity for all of us to discover the resources and services that our public libraries offer. Irish library workers are responsible for fostering a unique culture of learning, inclusion, and community engagement through our libraries. More than anything, as their trade union, Fórsa salutes them and says thank you,” he said.
Mr Carrothers said public libraries serve as essential hubs for knowledge and creativity, providing access to a wealth of resources, from books and digital media to education and community events: “These are safe spaces for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore new ideas, develop skills, and connect with others.
“Library workers play a crucial role in all of this, offering personalised assistance, organising events, and creating an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It’s time we celebrated the transformative power of public libraries and the dedicated professionals who make them thrive,” he said.
There are 330 library branches and 31 mobile libraries in Ireland. All core library services are provided free of charge. There are no memberships fees and no fines for late returns. Nearly 800,000 people are registered as library members and more than 12 million items are available to borrow across the service. Fórsa is the main union for library staff, with about a thousand library workers currently in its membership.
Libraries Ireland is inviting everyone to ‘Take a Closer Look’ at their local library this Saturday.