Officials and Elected Members of Galway County Council pictured with Clifden Library staff and members of the local community at the launch of the My Open Library (MOL) initiative at Clifden Library. Credit Sean Lydon.
CLIFDEN Library has become the second branch library in County Galway to roll out the My Open Library (MOL) initiative, dramatically increasing public access to services with extended self-service hours.
Ballinasloe Library has had the service in operation since 2020. It allows registered users to access the library from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, even outside of regular staffed times. As a result, weekly access hours have almost tripled, rising from 34.5 to 98.
Located in the centre of Clifden, the library now offers a wide range of self-service functions during unstaffed hours, including borrowing and returning books, using computers and Wi-Fi, printing and scanning documents, and accessing study space.
The MOL programme is part of a national strategy to modernise public libraries, promote digital inclusion, and foster community engagement. It is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of the Gaeltacht, in partnership with local authorities.
At the launch event, attended by local representatives, library staff, and community members, Cllr. Martina Kinane (FF), outgoing Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, remarked, “The opening of My Open Library in Clifden marks a major milestone in our commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and modern library services. It empowers our community with greater flexibility and fosters a culture of learning and connection”.
Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council, added, “This project reflects our dedication to innovation and community development. We are proud to bring this service to Clifden and look forward to seeing it thrive”.
County and City Librarian Elizabeth Keane also welcomed the development, thanking national and local funders. “This investment is not just in bricks and mortar—it’s in people, potential, and the future of rural communities like Clifden,” she said.
