Library’s new look revealed

At a total cost of £110,000 the refurbishment work has improved the accessibility and layout of the building. Libaries NI say this investment has provided the local community with a bright, comfortable and modern library capable of delivering their services for the 21st century.

The project, which was carried out by local company Killowen Contracts, has vastly improved the internal and external appearance of the library with the replacement of floor coverings and total redecoration of the library, as well as the replacement of electrical systems and lighting. Essential maintenance was carried out to the building’s roof and disabled access in and around the library building has been upgraded.

Customers will see a new customer services area and attractive dedicated areas for adults and children making the library a welcoming space for all. The finished library is calm, airy, and spacious with beautiful new furnishings.

The library provides a vital service to people living in and around Rathfriland and library members can borrow up to nine items at any one time - books, audio books, eBooks and downloadable audio books are all free of charge. Library users are also being offered free newspapers, resources and information on the internet, which can be accessed through library or home computers. So call into the library and ask about Online Library today.

Carolyn Hanna, Rathfriland Branch Library Manager, said, “We are delighted to have the final improvements in place to make Rathfriland Library more attractive and accessible.

“Thank you to all our customers for their patience while the work was ongoing. The staff are looking forward to welcoming everyone to see the exciting improvements and we hope many people will visit to see what services are available and to join the library.”

To become a new library member, simply bring along a means of identification (which includes a home address) and then you can make use of the many free membership benefits.

Rathfriland Library’s opening hours are: Tuesday from 2.00pm – 8.00pm, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am – 1.00pm and from 1.30pm – 5.00pm, and Saturday from 10.00am – 4.00pm.

For further information, contact Rathfriland Library (12 John Street, BT34 5QH) on telephone: 028 4063 0661 or email: [email protected]