A new public library for Westport must be central to any Civic Office development in the Convent grounds says Labour's Cllr Keith Martin.
Currently Westport is served by a 2,000 sq foot library built in 1972/3, which has not been expanded or renovated since. At 2,000 sq feet it is only double the size of Achill library and a fifth the size of Ballina and Castlebar.
According to Cllr Martin "There has long been a consensus, in the council chamber and in the town, that the library building is too small to meet the needs of the growing population in the Westport. Not only is it an unattractive building but it is far too small to meet the demands placed on it. We need a new library the size of Castlebar's with study areas, a dedicated local history section, a children's area and an exhibition space in addition to a increased shelf space for books, CDs, DVDs and digital media.
"Westport is open the same hours as Castlebar and Ballina, providing the same services as them but with only a fifth the floor space and a staff of three. There are no public toilets, no reading areas and only six computers whereas Castlebar and Ballina have 20 each.
"Westport has been left behind as the failure to upgrade Westport over the years means that Claremorris and Ballinrobe have bigger libraries than Westport but only cater to a fraction of the customers Westport does.
"In the County Development Plan 2003 to 2008 there was a provision for a new library for Westport and I would like to see that commitment delivered on in the new Convent development. In the last year I have already asked officials to look at the Bank of Ireland building as a possible site for the new library but now the convent is the ideal opportunity for a new library."
"We will also have the opportunity of displaying the town's art collection which has been built up over the years by the council acquiring pieces from local and visiting artists and a new library and civic offices would be the ideal venue to put this art collection on display."
"I can tell you that there is agreement among Westport Town Councillors for a new library. We pay Mayo County Council to provide the service as an agent and as we look at purchasing the convent grounds in co-operation with Mayo County Council for a new one-stop-shop for civic services I will be insisting on the provision of a new library as my number one priority and as the price of my support for the purchase. Councillors have to vote to purchase the site as it is a reserved function."
Mayo County Library holds over 300,000 books across its extensive network of 17 branches throughout the county. Membership of the Library is available to all people living in County Mayo, on a fee basis and is free for all people under 18.
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