Photos by Ciaran Culligan/Louth County Council: Amanda Branigan, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, Louth County Council; Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue; and Ger Murphy, Director of Services, Louth County Council, pictured at the launch of the Louth County Council Library Service Development Programme 2026-2030: Building for the Future at Ardee Library.
Louth Library Service Development Programme sets out five-year plan
The Louth Library Service Development Programme has been launched, setting out a five-year plan for the future of libraries across the county.
The Louth County Council Library Service Development Programme 2026–2030: Building for the Future was officially launched at Ardee Library on Thursday, 27th August.
The programme will guide the development of library services across Louth over the next five years, with priorities including inclusion, lifelong learning, digital innovation, community engagement and the continued development of welcoming library spaces.
It was developed following a comprehensive consultation process involving almost 1,000 members of the public, along with community groups, educators, elected representatives, library staff and partner organisations.
The Council says the feedback gathered during that process helped ensure the programme reflects the priorities and expectations of people who use library services throughout County Louth.
Libraries as community spaces
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, welcomed the launch of the new programme.
“Libraries are among the most valued public services in our communities. They provide opportunities for learning, personal development, social inclusion and cultural participation. This Programme demonstrates Louth County Council’s commitment to ensuring our library service remains innovative, accessible and responsive to the needs of our growing and diverse population.”
The plan places particular emphasis on ensuring libraries continue to develop as spaces that serve a much wider purpose than lending books.
Modern library services now provide access to learning, digital resources, community activities, cultural programmes and spaces where people can study, work, meet and participate in events.
Five-year roadmap for Louth library services
Amanda Branigan, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, said the Louth Library Service Development Programme provides a clear direction for the coming years.
“Our libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces that support reading, learning, creativity and community connection. This Development Programme provides a clear roadmap for the next five years and will help ensure that our services continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the people of Louth.
“We are proud of what our libraries have achieved over the last five years and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
The new programme builds on a period of development across the county library network.
Louth County Council says this has included increased visitor numbers, expanded opening hours and the opening of the new Dunleer Library.
Louth has also become Ireland’s first Library Authority to receive Library of Sanctuary status.
The recognition reflects efforts to ensure library spaces are welcoming and accessible to people from different backgrounds and communities.
Drogheda part of county-wide library network
Louth County Council currently operates libraries in Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee, Dunleer and Carlingford.
The service also includes the Schools Library Service, while a new Library in the Community mobile service is planned.
For Drogheda and communities across the county, the programme will help guide how those services develop between now and 2030.
That includes the role libraries can play in literacy and learning, digital access, cultural participation and bringing people together through events and community programmes.
Drogheda Library remains one of the key facilities within that county-wide network, serving readers, students, families and community groups from across the town and surrounding areas.
The development programme is intended to ensure services can continue adapting as the population grows and the ways people use libraries change.
Shaped by public consultation
Public involvement was an important part of preparing the new programme.
Almost 1,000 people contributed to the consultation process, alongside organisations and groups working across education, culture and local communities.
Drogheda Life previously reported on the consultation when members of the public were invited to help shape the future of library services in Louth.
The completed programme now sets out how Louth County Council intends to respond to those priorities over the next five years.
The full Louth County Council Library Service Development Programme 2026–2030: Building for the Future is available through the Louth County Council website.
