Offaly Library will be a Sanctuary for refugees and migrants

THE Offaly Library service is currently actively working towards achieving a Library of Sanctuary status for Birr Library, the January meeting of Birr Municipal District was told.
Eimear McGinn, County Librarian, told the Councillors that the Library of Sanctuary plan is part of the Council's Creating Space Offaly Libraries Development Plan 2024-2028.
“When it is instigated,” she said, “it will mean that the library will be a place which is committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion, especially for people in International Protection (refugees and people seeking asylum) and all newcomers to the area.”
Libraries of Sanctuary have a culture of welcome which means they foster inclusivity, compassion and solidarity for newcomers. They can also offer assistance with paperwork, English language learning and connecting people with local services.
Eimear also ran through some of the many events and activities which Birr Library had been involved in during 2025. She said it had been a very busy and successful year with Birr Library enjoying a very strong connection with the local community.
She ran through some of successful Grant applications during 2025. This included €2,400 Healthy Ireland Funding, which went towards a curated series of health education seminars and events. It also included €10,000 CYPSC Funding, which went towards supporting the Parenting Support Programme, in partnership with Laois Libraries. €2,550 CYPSC Funding was secured for Sensory Offaly Programming. €2,880 LGMA Funding was granted to promote Skills for Life programming. The €2,100 for Scéim na Litríocht was funding from Foras na Gaeilge for Irish authors.
Eimear said Seachtain na Gaeilge in Offaly's Libraries delivered 21 free events with 40 attendees. These events included:
• Pop up Gaeltacht
• Comhrá agus Caife
• Ceol Traidisiúnta
• Lego i Gaeilge
• Am Scéalíochta
• Ceardaíocht
• Tacaíocht Gaeilge/
Irish Language Supports.
18 events with 228 attendees took part in a number of Health Information events, including:
• Cyber Safe Kids workshops
• Sensory Play Sessions
• Mindfulness Workshops
• Breathwork Sessions
• Art Therapy Session.
Cruinniú na nÓg took place on Saturday, 7th June 2025. This included:
• 47 free events with 984 participants
• 3 x Nighttime Economy events were offered in Birr, Tullamore and Edenderry
• 707 Take Away Craft Kits.
Birr Library continued its strong association with Birr Vintage Week in 2025. This included:
• Leinster Regiment Exhibition Launch 30th July
• Teddy Bear’s Picnic Storytime, Arts and Crafts, Tabletop Museum
• 5 Events 176 Attendees.
Eimear said there's been a welcome expansion of Staffed Hours in Kilcormac Library. “Staffed hours increased by 6 hours per week,” she remarked, “contributing to a 17.7% increase in visitors in 2025.
She also pointed out that Birr Municipal District is home to 3 of the 4 My Open Libraries (MOL) in Offaly, allowing access to the library outside of staffed times, between 08.00 – 22.00 daily. Banagher, Ferbane and Kilcormac Libraries have 387 registered MOL users and in 2025, had over 4,900 visitors during MOL hours.
She said the Sensory Space in Birr Library has been very successful. The Magic Table was acquired for Birr Library in April 2025. It has received an average of 1,285 visitors per month. Magic Tables are now available in Birr, Banagher and Ferbane Libraries. They host interactive sound and light-based games, and are fully portable.
The new Sensory Backpack is available to schools for loan in Birr Library. The CPen, a dyslexia friendly device is available in Birr, Banangher, Ferbane and Kilcormac libraries.
“The Sensory Toy Showcase,” Eimear continued, “took place in Birr Library. Paediatric Occupational Therapists demonstrated how to use toys from our sensory catalogue to teachers, parents and caregivers.”
The Sensory Offaly Programme featured 18 events with 141 attendees.
As part of a collaboration with the Museum of Childhood Ireland a number of events took place. These included:
• A series of workshops exhibition and panel discussion exploring the evolution of Children’s rights in Ireland.
• Panel discussion chaired by former Supreme Court Judge and Current Chair of the Electoral Commission, Maire Baker.
• Dr James W. Houlihan linked Cáin Adomnáin with the broader evolution of children's rights.
The Councillors warmly praised the Library staff for working so hard and running so many events. Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy said she attended the Sensory Toy Showcase and it was wonderful to see the children captivated by the toys. She said the Sensory Backpack has received a huge amount of positive feedback.
Cllr Seán Maher said the library staff in the libraries in Birr MD are excellent. He said the Sensory Space in Birr Library is very impressive.
Cllr Peter Ormond said it's a great pity there is no working library in Shinrone. He added that libraries are not just book loaning services anymore, but much more.
Cllr Eleanor Clendennen said the Magic Table is very popular.
CllrJohn Leahy welcomed the extra six staffed hours in Kilcormac Library. He praised the library staff across the MD for the very large number of events they run and host in their libraries. “You are like an event management company!”

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