Minister Heather Humphreys announces funding for Kilkenny Mobile Library Service

Funding of €180,000 has been awarded to Kilkenny County Council library service towards the purchase of a new mobile library vehicle.

This funding was confirmed by Minister Humphreys as part of a €25m investment in public libraries under the Department of Rural and Community Development Libraries Capital Programme.

The primary aim of the mobile library is to deliver an equitable service for all Kilkenny library users, minimising the barriers of distance and access. 

The new vehicle will be an inviting, welcoming space with a wide and varied selection of stock for all ages, potential for access to digital technologies and will allow for increased outreach and engagement. 

County Librarian, Josephine Coyne commented “The mobile library service plays a very important role around providing access to library services improving social inclusion and wellbeing. It is a vital link for rural and isolated communities. “

Covering the length and breadth of the County with over 60 stops, the mobile provides a valuable service to primary schools, childcare facilities, nursing homes, communities and those who are house bound. The mobile library service is a well-used resource within the Kilkenny County Council library network with over 4,900 people joined up to use the service and 26,000 items issued since September 2023.