Cappamore leads way as library services go hi-tech

Library services will enter a new hi-tech chapter today when members of the Cappamore facility in Co Limerick will get access to Ireland’s first new age literary centre.

This library will feature touch-screen tables and PCs with programmes and apps for all age groups.

And for those used to the old way, it will have a book stock of 15,000 volumes on its shelves.

Cappamore has been chosen to pilot the Solas System as part of a €1 million development which will lead the way in shaping public libraries in this country in the future.

The new library and art studio will not just be a new treasure for young techies — the Co Limerick library service say the facility will have improved services for its elderly clientele who have seen little change since Scottish-born philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the development of a public library service in this country in the latter half of the 19th century.

A spokesman for Limerick City and County Council said: “The new Cappamore Library and Art Studios complex will be the first library in Limerick to be 100% self-service and will pilot a range of new technology initiatives, some of which have never been used in Ireland before. All transactions, including, registrations, borrowing and returning stock, making requests, checking the catalogue, can all be performed online by the public, either on the premises or online from home. It will make available to the public the ‘Solas System’ which is the first of its kind in Ireland and includes touch-screen table PCs offering an exciting suite of programmes and apps for all ages.”

“The new library will also offer those in the new Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district access to a range of Council Services by utilising cutting-edge touch-screen technology as a point of access. The new Library and Arts studios will also support Cappamore’s designation as an age friendly town and offer a range of quality programming for vibrant senior citizens. It’s miles away from what you would expect from a library — very visual on the inside,” he added.

Limerick City and County Librarian Damien Brady said the whole range of technology being piloted at Cappamore will open new possibilities to empower readers to find their own solutions.

Mr Brady said: “The librarian will be there to guide the user in new forms of learning. It is taking on new cutting-edge technology. The library service has always been involved in information whether in book or on CD or digital.

“What we now have in Cappamore is a new way of delivering information. Our book stock is more comprehensive than ever and last year in Limerick city and county we had over 700,000 items, books, CDs, music, taken out by library members.”

Mr Brady said the new Cappamore library will also provide four artist studios.

He said: “We will be able to give year long residencies to young emerging artists or to established artists. They will be able to create their own work and in so doing support rural life, by developing their careers in Cappamore.

“You might have a person just out of college, who has no place to do work. They will now be able to add to their skills and the local economy. In return they will also be able to support local festivals and share their expertise with local children during school holiday periods.”