Ballyshannon schoolchildren send letters to councillors about important issue

The children of Ballyshannon have taken a proactive approach to an issue of importance to them in their community. 

Pupils from Holy Family National School wrote to the councillors in the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal asking for the local library to be reopened

As well as pointing out the many benefits of reading and having a local library, they explained that not everyone was in a position to travel to Bundoran or Donegal Town to avail of library services. 

The pupils also pointed out the environmental benefits of books being borrowed and read by many people, rather than each person buying an individual book.

The schoolchildren appealed to their local councillors to take action to restore library services to their community.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD, Cllr Barry Sweeny (FG) was full of praise for the schoolchildren, and has pledged to do what he can to help.

He brought the following motion to the February meeting of Donegal MD: “That this MD addresses the staff shortage within the library service to ensure a timely  resumption of services.”  

Cllr Sweeny told fellow councillors: “We know the value of library services to our communities. People who don’t have computers or laptops can avail of these at their libraries. I would encourage more people to use these services.”

He pointed out that due to Covid-19, a lot of libraries were opening on shorter hours.

“Some have not opened at all for the last two year,” he added.

In acknowledging the letters received from the pupils of Holy Family NS, Cllr Sweeny said: “I thank them for the points they are making and their honesty.”

The Ballyshannon councillor said he had received a welcome response from Donegal Library Service that recruitment was underway to take on more library staff.

“I hope the posts will be filled fairly soon,” he said. 

Cllr McMahon seconded the motion. 

He said: “It is very important for Ballyshannon to get the library open. 

“I accept the situation regarding staff vacancies and Covid, but we need to push it on a bit now. 

“I ask that it will be opened as soon as possible.”

Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) also thanked the pupils for contacting him.

“It is a great initiative to go to all that work,” he said.