Galway spends just 20c per person on library books

Galway only spends 20 cent per person on library books – and yet it has more than half a million people who use the free service.

That’s what Fianna Fail Deputy Michael P. Kitt told the Dáil last week when he claimed that Galway spent very little on library books compared to other counties – and yet it has a good track record in providing libraries, with 29 branch libraries in the county alongside a mobile service.

BY TIM RYAN

“Galway is the second largest county in the country and more than 500,000 people visited branch libraries there last year,” he said.

“There is great interest in the library service but, in light of these disappointing figures, we should be spending more on books. Last year alone, Tuam Library recorded close to 50,000 reader visits.

“Investment in our library services should be given priority, particularly in light of the importance the Government attaches to literacy and numeracy schemes. Libraries also play a social role in that people can use their computer and Internet facilities,” he added.

Deputy Kitt said microfilm is also a popular library resource.

“I understand that approximately 39,000 members are availing of these services,” he said.

“I should use this opportunity to note that some people forget to return books.   The school library service, which is funded through the Department of Education and Skills, also needs more resources in order to purchase new books.

“If it cannot replace its stock of books every so often, younger students will not develop a strong interest in reading.”

In reply Minister Paudie Coffey said a comprehensive, varied, well maintained and up-to-date library collection is at the heart of what the service offers the public.

It is instrumental in supporting literacy, developing life skills and social cohesion and enabling lifelong learning.

“Before 2008, many local authorities had achieved a level of spend on library stock of €3.77 per capita or were very close to achieving it,” he said.

“Owing the downturn in the economy and a lack of available funding, it was not possible for local authorities to maintain the book funds at the pre-existing level,” he added.