The phrase “Build it and They Will Come” may be attributable to the movie “Field of Dreams”, but it could also be the mantra for Wicklow County Council’s network of libraries (13 + mobile).
In recent years statistics for items borrowed, library visits and use of online resources have shown Wicklow as being consistently in the Top Three local authorities.
However, the figures for 2022 show Wicklow County Council as being in Number 1 position across all three categories, with each statistic being more than 40 per cent greater than the corresponding national average.
Last year there were 485,000 individual visits to Wicklow libraries which resulted in 323,000+ loans (which increases to 400,000+ when renewals are included), along with 107,000+ ebooks and downloaded audio books.
Cllr Tommy Annesley, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, welcomed these figures, saying: “This reflects Wicklow County Council’s continuous investment in new public library buildings in recent years. New libraries in Arklow, Wicklow and Rathdrum are now reaping the benefits, and are being embraced by the public. Our libraries have kept a-pace with change and now also have access to downloadable audio books, e-books, e-magazines and online newspapers from across the world.”
Wicklow County Council Chief Executive, Emer O’Gorman, stated: “Our libraries are a great resource. It is important that we continue to improve our services through the library capital programme. These statistics are also due to the wide-ranging programme of events and activities in libraries throughout county Wicklow, and the dedication and enthusiasm of library staff”.
Come and see for yourself. For full details of upcoming events, see Wicklow County Council Library Service Facebook page or Instagram.
