Drumlish Library celebrates 30 years of serving its local community

Over 300 people attended the celebrations 

Press Release: Monday, 15 July 2024

Drumlish Library celebrated 30 years of serving its local community with an event on Friday, 28 June, with 300 people in attendance.

For the event, a photo display covered the history of the library and highlighted many events and characters who used the library over the last 30 years. The library was decorated in the Drumlish and Longford colours. 

At the event, retired County Librarian Mary Carleton Reynolds recalled the opening of Drumlish library. Mary paid tribute to the late Cllr Gerry Brady, recalling his dream to have a library in Drumlish, which he realised, having officially opened the library on Friday, 24 June 1994. 

Speaking Mary Kiernan and Helen Sheridan, who are current and past librarians at Drumlish Library, shared their stories working at the library. Cllr Paraic Brady, son of Cllr Gerry Brady, and Longford County Council Director of Services Barbara Heslin spoke about the importance of the library for the local community. 

Speaking at the event Cllr Paraic Brady said, "It is great to celebrate 30 years of Drumlish Library. Throughout the years, this excellent facility has been at the heart of the local community. It is a place for learning, meeting others and getting help from its excellent librarians. I thank library staff for the work as they continue to serve their community, including Isabella Mallon, Drumlish Library's first branch librarian. I also thank the local Drumlish community for making the most of this facility."

Longford County Council Director of Service Barbara Heslin added, "Drumlish Library, along with all five other libraries across our county are invaluable to our communities. They help to make County Longford a county for everyone. They are places where everyone can come to and meet and engage with others and integrate into their community."

Longford County Council County Librarian Martina Needham said, "Small in size but mighty in spirit and heart, Drumlish is well served by its library which is run by our excellent librarians and support staff. We provide many services and continue to make our libraries a welcoming space for all, whether you're looking for some peace and quiet with a book or a chat with our friendly and professional staff. You can also use our digital facilities to connect with others, including family and friends, online, or visit one of the many events we have throughout the year."

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