New community library opened at St Patrick's Park, Navan

St Patrick's Park Community Library in Navan was official opened by Meath County Council chairperson Cllr William Carey on Monday of last week. The new library is a partnership between Navan Travellers' Workshop and Meath County Council. The venture was co-funded by Meath County Council and the Navan Travellers Workshop (NTW) through Dormant Accounts funding. The ongoing operational costs are funded by NTW through a Community Employment Scheme and Meath County Library supports the staff through training and regular updating and exchange of stock. The library is open 20 hours a week and it also serves as a homework club and meeting space for related agencies working with residents on education, health and community initiatives. Speaking to the residents at the launch, Cllr Carey said: "I am delighted that you have responded so positively to this new facility and the opportunities it affords you as a love of books is one of the greatest gifts we as parents can give a child." Deputy County Manager, Tadhg McDonnell, congratulated all concerned and looked forward to the development of the space as a major resource for all agencies working with Travellers in the years ahead. Guest of honour was award-winning Irish author and publisher Siobhán Parkinson who just last week was named as Laureate na n"g, Ireland's first laureate for children's literature. Ms Parkinson spoke glowingly about the project, adding that one of her main aims as laureate would be to ensure that every child in the country has access to a nice, bright, warm, cheerful and comfortable library.