The
Library Service has changed dramatically in the last number of years, reflected
in the additional number and ongoing computerisation of service points and the
diverse services provided to the Public.
Lending
and Reference
A
wide range of non-fiction and fiction titles are on offer in the Adult Sections.
Large print books, books on tape, language course, music cassettes and CD’s
and some educational videos and CD-ROMs, are also available. All service points
have comprehensive Reference Sections and staff can help to find what is needed,
be it for study, interest, research, or just for fun.
Local
Studies and Literacy
The
Library Service acts as a support to the Local Studies Researcher, through the
provision of a well-resourced Local Studies Department. Hundreds of enquiries
are answered every year, in person, and by telephone, letter and E-mail. It
helps literacy students and tutors through the provision of literacy collections
and the provision of facilities for Adult Literacy tutorials.
Children’s
The
encouragement of children in the use of the library and in developing and
extending their reading skills, is another priority for the Service. Children
are never too young to join and there are extensive collections at all our
service points. Everything for reading, information, study and leisure - from
babies to teenagers. A Children’s Book Festival, Book clubs and other
book-based activities are held annually.
Public Internet Access and Other Services
The
Library Service values its book stocks and it’s lending and reference services
but there are many more services on offer. These include: 24 PC’s for Internet
Access; Book Requests and Inter-Library loans; Photocopying, Notice Boards and
Exhibitions; Author visits and Readings for children; Third level, Career and
Youth Information; Citizen Information, Housing and Planning clinics; Study
Facilities; Chess and Homework clubs; Art and craft, cross stitch and knitting
classes and a Web page.
Schools’ Library Service
The Schools’ library Service is an important part of Kilkenny County Library Service bringing a variety of fiction and information books to primary school children throughout the County. The Service operates through a dedicated Schools’ Library van, -staffed by a Senior Library Assistant and driver- which makes 3 visits per year to 77 primary schools, serving 9,528 children and their teachers. In 2000 the Co. Library Service received a grant of £21,723.84 towards the cost of the Schools’ Library Service, from the Department of Education, under the National School Library Scheme -at the rate of £2.28 per pupil.
Mobile Library Service
The Mobile Library Service plays a significant part in Library provision around the County. The Mobile Van which is staffed by a Library Assistant and driver, visits over 60 stops around the County, on average every 3 weeks. It is the first computerised Mobile Library Service in the Republic.