Library urged to add more leabhair as Gaeilge

The new Bettystown Library should have a space dedicated Irish language books according to local councillors who pointed out that there was a poor selection especially considering March is “Seachtain na Gaeilge.”

Independent Cllr Carol Lennon raised the issue at a recent Laytown/Bettystown Municipal District meeting.

Lennon said a local teenager made her aware of the situation.

“He pointed out to me that there are no books in Bettystown Library that were as Gaelige,” she said.

“There is no Irish section and we do have a Gaelscoil in our community and that needs to be addressed,” she added.

Sinn Fein Cllr Maria White while she had seen a small selection of Irish language books in the children's section, there was none in the adults library.

“Considering the diversity of the population in East Meath, it would be nice to have books in different languages,” said White.

“In my own school we have a whole section of books in different languages and it would be good to see all of the languages be it French, German that the children are studying in secondary school,” she added.

“It is our national language and I think in a library that is funded by our council a section for learning Irish should be there to promote it.”

The meeting was told that library members could order a book within Meath Library service and have it delivered within 24 hours.

Meanwhile it was revealed by that over 1,300 new borrowers registered with Meath County Library in the first week of March.

The bulk of new borrowers making good use of the new Bettystown Library facility at the East Meath Civic Centre, welcoming a whole new generation to the wonder of books.