Opened last April, the library has a lot more than just books to offer and has been holding a range of events to support learning, information, culture, reading and heritage for all the community. 

 

The library is a modern, bright, well-equipped space which would provide a community hub for people in Lisnaskea and the surrounding area.

 

And, crucially, the library also offers free wifi and a range of new computers available for public use. The building is also kittted out with comfortable seating and tea and coffee-making facilities for visitors.

 

“The library is located at the very heart of Main Street and in many respects is also at the very heart of the community. Over the last year local people have really taken ownership of the building and worked in partnership with Libraries NI to develop facilities tailored to local needs. One of the new library’s greatest achievements is probably to provide a relaxed environment, allowing people from every walk of life in the town and surrounding area to meet and learn together,” said Stephen Bleakley, Area Manager with Libraries NI.

 

The library is home to many activities for all of the community to get involved in. Mostly recently, the library hosted a chocolate making session with P6 Moat Primary for the Roald Dahl 100th birthday celebrations, St Comhghall’s College year 8 and year 9 enjoyed a library visit, Killadeas Day Care group took part in a computer session, and the Rhythm and Rhyme session was attended by a large number of local parents and babies.

 

The Knit and Knatter regularly meets at the library  to share a cup of tea and a chat whilst reading the newspapers. The library has also offered courses on iPad usage to those who want to learn a new skill.

 

Although, while other activities are widely available, books are still the main focus at the Lisnaskea library.

 

“In the past year over 31,000 books were borrowed in Lisnaskea. We also hold book launches by local authors, run a weekly reading group and provide Rhythm and Rhyme sessions for parents and pre-school children. Lisnaskea library also offers an eBook and eMagazine service which is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can download the eBook and eMagazine app on to smartphones, tablets or computers,” said Stephen Bleakley.

 

Lisnaskea Library provides a hub for community activities and offers free Internet and Wi-Fi access, community meeting spaces, exhibitions and free newspapers. The Internet service is particularly important to Lisnaskea, as the area struggles to pick up a strong broadband connection. 

 

“Over the past year we have seen business people and tourists stop in the local hotels and cafes and then pop into the library to use our free Wi-Fi and computer facilities. We’ve also provided young people with opportunities to spend after school time connecting to the internet while they wait on a bus or parent.”