Louth County Council’s Library Service has become the first in the country to win the ‘Library of Sanctuary’ award with the five branches and schools service gaining recognition. 

Welcoming representatives from Places of Sanctuary Ireland to the award ceremony yesterday, the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Conor Keelan, said the ward was the culmination of what is a hugely positive time for Louth‘s Library Service with considerable investment, numerous new initiatives, services and infrastructural upgrades that have taken place recently.

The award was officially presented to the Council’s Chief Executive Joan Martin, by Tiffy Allen, National Co-Ordinator Places of Sanctuary Ireland who said;

“Louth Library Service does wonderful pioneering work to make refugees and people seeking international protection feel welcome in the community. That work should be a guiding light to libraries throughout Ireland.”

This award recognises the good practice taking place in Louth Library Service and the contribution libraries make to building a community of welcome and sanctuary across County Louth, welcoming people seeking sanctuary and all new arrivals in the community. 

Welcome and inclusion are core principles of Louth Library Service and the vision going forward is to ensure that Louth libraries continue to be safe and nurturing spaces for all and to support other local organisations such as schools to gain ‘Sanctuary’ status.

Louth Libraries offer a varied, relevant physical stock, a suite of e-Services including e-books, e-audio books, language learning opportunities and much more.  The introduction of the My Open Library initiative in Drogheda and the re-opening of My Open Library in Ardee, together with a service wide enhanced digital upgrade offer increased opportunities and accessibility for the community.

Acting County Librarian, Amanda Branigan, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised by Places of Sanctuary Ireland. It is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff and we will continue to strengthen and support communities by providing dynamic, inclusive and responsive library services.”

For more information on Louth Library Service log on to https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/library/