In February of this year, after the passing of Italian novelist Umberto Eco, I was pleased to make his acquaintance in Finaghy. An enjoyable few minutes spent on the adventures of William of Baskerville prompted me to call over to Arthur Conan Doyle to see how Sherlock was dealing with a troublesome hound. A quick call to Louis MacNiece followed, who pointed me in the direction of Sinead Morrissey, who left me resolved to call on many others.
Meanwhile my young daughter was concentrating on whether her bed time story was to be the escapades of an excitable piglet or those of an affable but unfortunate bear. We solved her problem by taking both books out of the library.
We were only there briefly but this short visit to Finaghy Library offered a world far beyond the rainy February evening outside.
To hear this week that 14 of the busiest libraries across Northern Ireland, including Finaghy, could have their opening hours reduced by 10% is deeply disappointing. Libraries are one of the most important assets we have; vital spaces for learning and enjoyment which are well established genuine community hubs used by people at all ages and stages of life in South Belfast.
Finaghy Library in particular, has the highest rate of community participation of any library in Northern Ireland and provides a warm, welcoming and shared space for everyone in the area. To reduce this service is to reduce one of the last free, indoor family friendly public spaces in south Belfast.
Libraries NI are currently running a consultation on this reduction in opening hours, the details of which are on their website. I would encourage everyone who values their local library to respond and demonstrate the full worth we give our community libraries.