Age friendly Clara library celebrates special recognition award

Clara Library was buzzing with pride recently as Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney presented staff with the prestigious Age Friendly Ireland – Judge’s Special Recognition Award 2024.

This national award was bestowed upon Ireland’s Public Libraries at the Age Friendly Ireland Recognition & Achievement Awards last November, in recognition of the incredible commitment of library staff across the country to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for older people.

At the heart of the celebration in Clara was a moment of pride not only for the local team but for all who champion age-friendly services. ''I am delighted to present this award to Clara Library in recognition of the library’s status as Offaly’s First Age Friendly Library,'' said Anna Marie Delaney, who accepted the award on behalf of the National Library Service in her capacity as Chair of the City & County Management Association (CCMA).

The CCMA has agreed that the award trophy will make a special journey around the National Network of Age Friendly Libraries, spending time in each one. Clara Library is the first to host it, before passing the honour to Longford County Library Service.

Also in attendance was Ms. Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, who praised the Clara team for their outstanding service and dedication to older members of the community.

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Clara Library, like many others across Offaly, has undergone a comprehensive transformation to ensure that its spaces, services, and programming truly meet the needs of older people. From staff training to facility upgrades, every detail has been tailored to enhance accessibility, comfort, and engagement.

One shining example is the Magic Table which is now available in six Offaly libraries

and designed to stimulate physical activity and interaction for individuals with dementia and cognitive challenges.

This award shines a national spotlight on the powerful impact libraries have in building age-inclusive communities, and Clara Library stands proudly at the forefront of that movement.