Galway unveils Ireland’s first library buses
Additional vehicles are being added to Galway’s mobile library fleet as the county is introducing Ireland’s first buses decked out with library services.
Galway County Council signed design and construction contracts with Spanish manufacturer Alegria-Activity this week. This will be the first Irish project the company will take over.
Alegria-Activity will create two units based on bus infrastructure that will bring everyday library services on the road garnering more access to towns and schools.
Pictured at the contract signing: Front row L-R: Chief Executive of Galway County Council Liam Conneally; Cathaoirleach Cllr. David Collins; Íñigo Alegría Vidal-Abarca, Director of Alegria-Activity; Director of Services Eileen Ruane. Back row L-R: Galway County & City Librarian Liz Keane; Senior Executive Librarian Jo Vahey; Executive Librarian Sharleen McAndrew; International Project Coordinator Agnieszka Kuśnierczyk. Credit Jacinta Fahy. © Galway County Council
The new buses will contain staff works spaces, IT connectivity, and printing.
“These new vehicles will strengthen and future-proof the mobile library service, ensuring communities across Galway continue to have access to high-quality library services,” Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally said.
As Galway’s original Mobile Library Service has been running for over 65 years, the two additions will bring a “modern, flexible” advancement to communities across the county, Galway City and County Librarian, Liz Keane said.
“The investment underlines its ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility and delivering high-quality library services to communities throughout the county,” she added.