The newly expanded Healthy Ireland at Your Library service is running in all 330 public libraries nationwide.
The Healthy Ireland at your Library service encourages people to ‘Eat Well, Think Well, Be Well’ by offering a dedicated section in each library with books and information on health and well-being in a relaxed and comfortable environment; a collection of free online health information and resources, including e-magazines, e-books and e-audio books; and, a programme of free health events and activities in all local public libraries.
The Healthy Ireland library book collection now includes almost 100 titles, including newly added books for young adults and children.
A new Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme of events is kicking off too. More than 700 free events will take place in the 330 libraries nationwide between now and March. Libraries could be offering anything from expert talks on healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing to yoga and exercise classes for all ages.
Almost 15,000 people attended the first programme of Healthy Ireland at Your Library events nationwide, earlier this year.
Karl Henry, leading fitness expert supported the launch of the Healthy Ireland at Your Library launch in Kevin Street Library, Dublin today.
Minister Catherine Byrne said: “The Healthy Ireland at Your Library service is a key part of the Healthy Ireland Programme, through which the Government aims to support and improve the health and wellbeing of our people, and to make Ireland a healthier place to live.
Healthy Ireland at Your Library is a perfect fit for what we want to achieve through Healthy Ireland. Libraries offer engaging, open community spaces for people of all ages and are a go-to place for information of every kind. The programme is completely free, with the same books and resources available in each of the 330 libraries nationwide, giving everyone an equal opportunity to become more knowledgeable about managing their health”.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD said, “As the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme shows, our public libraries operate as invaluable centres in the community that provide much more than books; they facilitate learning, provide access to information and support the acquisition of new skills. I would encourage anybody who wants to learn more about health and wellbeing to visit their local library where expert staff can guide you to appropriate information, and let you know about events that will be of interest. I want to acknowledge the library staff for their ongoing commitment to the library service, including their enthusiastic roll-out of new initiatives such as Healthy Ireland at Your Library.”
Mary Stuart, Head of Libraries Development, LGMA said, “People really value the reliability of what is on offer through the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme. The titles available in the collection are evaluated and the event speakers are qualified according to Department of Health guidelines so you can have full confidence in the advice and information being provided.”
For further information on Healthy Ireland at Your Library, contact Libraries Development, Local Government Management Agency at librariesdevelopment@lgma.ie or your local library - details at www.librariesireland.ie.