Opposition throws book at plan to amalgamate libraries

Opposition is growing to the amalgamation of library services nationwide, with local councillors, Oireachtas members, and trade unions warning it will lead to the closure of branches in small rural communities.

However, the Local Government Management Agency, which is overseeing the changes, has insisted that no library branches will close and that, in fact, seven new or extended ones opened in 2014 with six more to follow this year.

“The purpose is to establish stronger, more effective, and efficient public libraries and deliver better library services to local communities and citizens,” said the agency, in a statement.