Concern over schoollibrarian's redundancy

The book is set to close on Tannaghmore Primary School's Librarian this term.

The librarian has been made redundant following a cut in funding to the school's budget.

One parent said results would be affected by the measure.

She said: "Money is being wasted in other areas that could be saved to pay for a librarian.

"Retired teachers are being used as subs costing thousands of pounds a year that could be better used to fund, what is, a vital service

"The principal should consider recruiting younger newly qualified teachers to fill in and save money or even reduce the number of classes."

She went on: "A school librarian is very important, some parents just don't have the time to sit down and read with their children.

"The librarian is fantastic with the children, she has helped them to enjoy and love books.

"Reading is knowledge, it's vital for a child's development it helps them understand and do better in their school work.

"I have no doubt exam results will be affected when she goes.

"Parents are very annoyed over this."

School principal Peter O'Loan said the school was operating under tight financial constraints and the decision was not taken lightly.

He added: "I understand parents' concern that the school will not have a librarian, not that many primary schools do - we have just been spoilt.

"We've looked at the service we can provide and the library will still be there for the children to use."