The proportion of older people is increasing in almost every country of the world and as life expectancy increases, the need to ensure that Ireland becomes a great country in which to grow old is increasing too.
In 2016, data from the Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) survey showed that many older people were not using their public libraries. Many reported finding them difficult to access. On foot of these findings, Age Friendly Ireland initiated a process with the Libraries Development Committee and the City and County Managers Association (CCMA) to encourage libraries to develop in a more age friendly way. Each local authority nominated one library to become their Age Friendly Library and in January this year, Age Friendly Ireland provided training in age friendly principles to 48 libraries nationally.
Minister Michael Ring, Department of Rural and Community Development has officially launched the National Age Friendly Libraries Recognition Programme and will present all 48 participating libraries with their Age Friendly Charter.
Commenting at the launch, Minister Ring, said,
“The public library strategy, Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities, focuses on removing barriers to access, improving accessibility, and providing a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Age Friendly Libraries are enhancing the services and facilities and making sure that we are meeting the needs of older people in our communities. We want to make Ireland a great place for people to live and grow old in and I’m delighted to say that our libraries are here to help this. They are providing digital skills classes, health and wellbeing classes, hosting intergenerational activities and providing supports for people with dementia such as the ‘magic tables’ and I am delighted to launch the National Age Friendly Libraries Recognition Programme.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan noted how Cork County Council’s Library Service is part of the National Age Friendly Libraries Recognition Programme,
“We are delighted to take part in the Age Friendly Libraries Recognition Programme 2019, with Fermoy library being our pilot library. So far this year Fermoy library has hosted a number of events, promoting positive aging and wellbeing, reinforcing links with the active retirement groups and combating isolation in our aging population. Responding to suggestions from the public, Cork County Council’s Library services were also enhanced. It is hoped to roll out this programme to a number of other libraries in County Cork next year. Our Library Services has always prided itself in its commitment to serving older library users and meeting their needs.”
Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, Catherine McGuigan said
“Making the built environment and public spaces age friendly for people of all ages to enjoy is a key objective of the Age Friendly Ireland Programme and the local government sector. Libraries are viewed by older people as a central hub for people to engage in their local communities.Social participation is critical to health and wellbeing. We are delighted today that our libraries are being recognised for their participation and commitment to making their libraries age friendly and celebrating the great work that is rolling out across Ireland”
While this launch is an acknowledgement of the remarkable work the libraries are undertaking, it should also be viewed as the start of a process, as it is planned to expand this initiative to other libraries across the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment