But if 2020 was positive for the book trade, what did it mean for libraries, which traditionally focus on in-person services? With more than 12 million items available to borrow (including DVD box sets, eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers), the public library service is provided by Ireland’s 31 local authorities as a shared system operating as Libraries Ireland. Photo by Steve Humphreys Traditionally, the book chosen for One City One Book (recently renamed One Dublin One Book) goes on to be the most borrowed library book that year. Read More In 2018, Libraries Ireland launched a five-year strategy, ‘Our Public Libraries 2022, Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’. This plan aimed to improve access, use and visibility of libraries as an essential community service, and establish them as go-to places for a range of sustainable, integrated public services.

Source: Irish Independent February 06, 2021 05:03 UTC