New My Open Library Service Opens at Baldoyle Library

The new My Open Library service at Baldoyle Library was officially launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Howard Mahony, on Monday 19th September.

The My Open Library service offers extended opening hours, providing library access to members from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days per year.  Regular staffed hours on the normal schedule continue to ensure optimum delivery of the service, support for service users and community engagement.  The staffed hours, combined with the extended My Open Library hours, allow library members to access the library at times that suit them, particularly for those who may not be able to access the library during regular staffed times.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Howard Mahony, said: “I am delighted to launch the My Open Library service in Baldoyle Library.  My Open Library will give members access to their local library outside normal opening hours. This initiative is a welcome addition to the essential services that Libraries provide to our local communities”.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “Providing dynamic and inclusive library spaces and services for the community is a key objective for Fingal County Council.  I am very pleased we are continuing to develop the library service in Fingal with the launch of My Open Library in Baldoyle. This service will give more people greater access to the library at times that suit them.”

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development, Fingal County Council, said: “Fingal County Council is committed to supporting vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities throughout Fingal. Provision of a My Open Library service in Baldoyle Library will broaden access to this focal point for the community”. 

Betty Boardman, County Librarian, said: “My Open Library is a key initiative under the current Public Libraries Strategy, Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities.  Fingal Libraries already has a broad range of online services accessible from home at any time. With the introduction of My Open Library, we are expanding access to the physical library space in a way that is responsive to people’s busy lives regarding work and other commitments”.

Following a call for proposals from the Department of Rural and Community Development in September 2019, Fingal County Council put forward Baldoyle Library as the location for a My Open Library service. The Department provided up to 75% of the cost to Fingal County Council towards purchasing the My Open Library equipment and making the necessary modifications to Baldoyle Library to allow it to operate as a My Open Library.

The staffing levels at libraries providing the My Open Library service are not affected by the additional library opening hours. Fingal County Council recognises that the availability of experienced and committed library staff is key to the success of any library. The full, staffed service continues to be provided during the regular staffed hours.

The provision of the self-service activities during My Open Library hours at Baldoyle library include:

•            borrowing and returning items,

•            internet access on PCs and lending Tablets and with Wi-Fi on own device,

•            printing, photocopying and scanning facilities,

•            studying and reading spaces,

•            community meeting facilities, and

•            access to toilet facilities.

Please sign up to become a My Open Library member at Baldoyle Library during staffed hours to avail of the My Open Library service.

In conjunction with the My Open Library hours, the staffed hours at Baldoyle Library were increased from 42.5 to 54 hours per week from 20th June this year.

Baldoyle library staffed opening hours are: -

Monday              9.45am – 8.00pm

Tuesday              9.45am – 8.00pm

Wednesday       9.45am – 8.00pm

Thursday            9.45am – 8.00pm

Friday                  9.45am – 5.00pm

Saturday             9.45am – 5.00pm

Contact details for Baldoyle Library are:

Telephone: 01 890 6793 / E mail: [email protected]