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Mobile library faces a bumpy
future
16.08.19
IN this weekend’s
documentary, ‘Books Over Borders’, Newstalk goes on a
road-trip with Europes first, and Irelands only,
cross-border, cross-community mobile library.
In 2004, Europe’s first cross-border mobile library
took to the roads, serving rural communities in
Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. Funded by the EU’s Peace
Programme, it was jointly conceived by Donegal
Library Service and Libraries NI.
It is a prime example of co-operation between
institutions who operate in different jurisdictions,
working together to serve isolated border
communities. A practical, all-island approach to
pooling resources and providing a quality service.
However, this innovative and valued community
resource that has trundled along our border roads
for the past 15 years is facing a bumpy future.
Brexit, and the unknown impact it will have on our
borders and cross-border institutions, is creating
some uncertainty and worry. |
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The cross-border mobile library is facing a bumpy
future as Brexit creates some uncertainty and worry. |
The service has become
an important feature in the lives of the villages,
rural housing estates and small primary schools that
it stops at during its six days a week schedule.
Many people have come to rely on it, not just for
books but for the social element it provides. Much
of this is due to the cheerful and knowledgeable
librarian, Denis Doherty, who has built strong links
with his clients over the years.
The mobile service also has a key role to play in
promoting literacy, particularly among children who
would otherwise be glued to a smartphone or tablet.
The people who use the service have many reasons for
doing so and would sorely miss it if it were gone.
Jim Doherty, ‘Books Over Borders’ producer, spent
time travelling with the mobile library, calling at
the schools and villages and meeting the people who
use it. The border itself is still invisible and
will hopefully remain so. As librarian Denis pointed
out over one of many cups of tea “People are the
same no matter what side of a border you’re on”.
‘Books Over Borders’ will be broadcast on Newstalk
106-108fm on Sunday August 18th at 7am, with repeat
broadcast on Saturday 24th August at 9pm. |
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