Books still popular in Tipp

Books are still popular in Tipperary, with some 480,000 books issued by the county's 12 public libraries last year.

Tipperary Libraries had around 460,000 visitors in 2016. In May and June of this year alone the libraries issued 64,000 books, along with 2,600 e-books.

In a presentation to Tipperary Co Council last week, County Librarian Damian Dullaghan outlined the many services offered by Tipperary Library Service. These include not just hardcopy books but also e-books for downloading, as well as an online newspaper archive and free wifi for visitors.

Mr Dullaghan said he would like to see the branch buildings refurbished and a further expansion of services, including the likes of 3D printing and robotic technology. He added that extra library staff have been taken on over recent months.

Responding to questions from Cllr Michael Smith (FF), Mr Dullaghan said Tipperary Library Service is looking at the refurbishment of Roscrea Library, noting that the building was opened in the early 1980s.