Two local libraries are among a small number across the whole of Northern Ireland which will see an increase in their opening hours. Claire Hanna, who served of the board of Libraries NI during her time as a councillor, welcomed the hourly increase for Finaghy and Carryduff libraries, and the protection of Newtownbreda and Lisburn Road libraries. She said “Finaghy in particular is one of the best used li¬braries in NI and I was glad the board agreed to up the opening hours to reflect this. Carryduff saw the greatest increase in NI, from 18 to 25 after we successfully made the case that this was the best way to get value from the recent investment there. Regrettably, Ormeau library will drop one hour down to 45 per week but a local consultation will be carried out to ensure there is as little disruption as possible to regular users. Libraries truly are one of the most important assets we have; vital shared civic spaces for learning and enjoyment which have continuously adapted to become genuine community hubs used by people at all ages and stages of life in South Belfast.
