WATERFORD LIBRARIES RECEIVES OVER 30K TO UPGRADE SENSORY FACILITIES IN DUNGARVAN, LISMORE, TRAMORE AND CENTRAL LIBRARIES

Following their successful application for funding under the national scheme announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring last December, Waterford Libraries will receive an extra €15,680 in grant aid for the installation of new sensory equipment in Library branches. This is in addition to the 2019 approved funding for installation of two Tovertafel magic tables in Dungarvan and Lismore (€15,680 (2019)).

At the announcement of the funding, Minister Ring said “I am very aware of the struggles some people face living with autism or learning differences. I want these people and their families to see our libraries as a safe and welcoming space for them, somewhere they can have fun in and learn”

Tovertafels are unique pieces of equipment where, through the projection of light and shapes onto a flat surface, children and adults with sensory additional needs are enabled and encouraged to interact and enjoy the experience.

Waterford Libraries will install the magic table in Dungarvan in April and this will be followed by the installation of a magic table in Lismore as part of the extension of the My Open Library (8am – 10pm opening hours) to Lismore and this additional funding will allow tables to be installed in both Central and Tramore Libraries.

Waterford County Librarian, Jane Cantwell said “We are delighted to receive this additional funding which will help us to open up our libraries even more to an even broader range of people including carers, people living with dementia and autism and those with other learning issues. We believe that our public libraries should be open to and relevant to everyone and any services or equipment that help make this happen, are very welcome”