Speaking after the meeting, Carla Lockhart said:

“The commitment has been in place for some time that Banbridge will be getting a new library, so it is important that the work continues at pace to make this new provision a reality for the local community.

I recently met with the Chief Executive of Libraries NI to discuss the project. The latest update is that Council, who own the ground, have some processes to progress. I a pressing that this is done in a reasonable timeframe to allow the next stages of the project to continue.

Libraries are such a vital part of the fabric of towns. Nowadays they are about so much more than reading, and are a hub for a significant amount of community activity. A new facility in Banbridge would be greatly welcomed and used by so many people and I will continue to press for progress until the first sod is cut.

I was also delighted to receive official confirmation that Banbridge’s current library offering will be extended with a new “out of hours” service (for adults aged 18 years and over). It will consist of controlled access to Banbridge library facilities outside of normal opening hours, providing a limited but important range of services on a self-service basis, including broadband/ Wi-Fi access, printing facilities, study space and book borrowing.

This service has been funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to support computer access in rural areas and has been successfully piloted in several other libraries across Northern Ireland. 

The Out of Hours Service is enabled by technology which works with the existing infrastructure to provide self-service kiosks, public access computers, lighting and security.

Adults register as an Out of Hours member and then can access the library when in Out of Hours mode using their PIN and card. To get into the library they will use an access point at the front door. CCTV cameras record who is coming in and out and staff will view this video the following day to ensure customers are working within agreed terms and conditions. This is a great addition to the current offering and I know that it will further strengthen the case for a new modern library right at the heart of Banbridge.”