Cavan Library Service begins phased reopening

Cavan Library staff are busily preparing to reopen their doors over the coming weeks, as the coronavirus restrictions are further eased. Johnston Central Library will reopen from today (Monday, June 8), initially offering a 'Contact and Collect' service.

Those wishing to avail of this service should contact the library team by telephoning 049-4378500 or emailing library@cavancoco.ie. Priority access will be given every morning to the elderly, and to vulnerable and at-risk library members. Public health is of paramount importance and all necessary safety measures are in place to maintain social distancing, including the use of screens, and queuing systems.

County Librarian Emma Clancy explains “While library spaces will not be open to the public for the moment, other key facilities such as online library services, including e-books, newspapers and magazines, which have been of immense value to library members in recent weeks, may be accessed 24/7 on www.cavanlibrary.ie

“Furthermore, our ‘Community Call’ book delivery programme, which has catered to the more vulnerable members of the community who are currently cocooning, will continue. Our team is on hand to offer support to access these services by phone or email.”

First step

Emma has high praise for the dedicated library staff for their adaptability and innovative thinking.

“We have effectively reinvented our services during this testing time, and will continue to do so as we move forward; I would like to acknowledge the library team for their ongoing efforts and we look forward to taking this first step to resuming service delivery to our members from next week."

Cathaoirleach Shane P. O’Reilly welcomed the phased reopening of the library service.

"Libraries are the heartbeat of our communities - repositories of knowledge, a melting pot of imagination, and a safe, social outlet for many. Of course, even as their physical doors have closed, Cavan’s libraries have still served the people of Cavan, promoting a range of free, online resources, and delivering books to vulnerable members of the community."

The Mullagh councillor commended County Librarian Emma Clancy and her team for their efforts during these turbulent times.

"I know they will be delighted to begin to welcome their members, old and new, back from Monday. I would appeal to the public to continue to adhere to social distancing protocols and please follow staff members’ directions, so that everyone can enjoy this vital public amenity safely.”

Check out Cavan Library’s website and social media channels for service updates.