Cork City Libraries lead the way in plain English and digital services

Cork City Library, Grand Parade (Photo: Darragh Kane)

Cork City Libraries are delighted to have won two awards at the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) Plain English Awards.  At the Awards ceremony, held yesterday at the Law Society of Ireland, Cork City Libraries were honoured in the category Best use of Plain English by an Organisation and City Librarian, Liam Ronayne, received recognition as a Champion of Plain English.  The aims of the awards are to reward organisations that communicate clearly and to promote the use of plain English in all public information.

In further good news for them, Cork City Council has invested €349,000 in digital services and facilities for its seven libraries, thanks to a successful funding bid to the Department of Rural and Community Development late last year.  The investment has enabled the purchase and installation of a range of equipment in all libraries across the city:

• Large wall-mounted interactive whiteboards and portable digital whiteboards for events and lectures;
• Re-conditioned laptops for children attending Coder Dojos who may not have access to a laptop at home;
• Pod-casting equipment which can be used to broadcast events such as Bealtaine and the World Book Festival;
• Portable PA, video and recording equipment;
• And other related technology.

City Librarian Liam Ronayne said, “This investment is a significant contribution to social and cultural inclusion, bridging the digital divide for communities and individuals right across the city.  Much of the equipment has already been delivered and installed”. 

The Department committed to fund 75% of a spend up to €351,000, with Cork City Council match-funding the balance. At €2.80 per person approx, the draw down by Cork City Council is well above the national figure, which is €1.63 per person.