Kilkenny

<h4>Age Friendly Status</h4>
<p>Kilkenny County Council Library Service has received Age Friendly Status for each of its eight library branches as well as the Mobile Library Service. This achievement, guided by Age Friendly Ireland, follows significant efforts to create an inclusive, accessible experience tailored to the needs of older patrons.</p>
<p>To earn this recognition, library staff completed specialised training and engaged in a consultation process with local groups, organisations, and library members. Through this process,  actions were identified and implemented across the library network, all designed to enhance the experience of older community members.</p>
<h4>Targeted Improvements</h4>
<p>Among the improvements are designated Age Friendly parking at Castlecomer Library and convenient Age Friendly trolleys at the Graiguenamanagh, Ferrybank, and Loughboy branches. In addition, each branch now offers reading aids, making it easier for all visitors to enjoy their library time. The branches also regularly host a wide array of events that cater to older audiences, with a calendar that includes various workshops and activities.</p>
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<h6>Pictured : Majella Byrne, Mayfair Library, Michael Delahaunty, Older Person’s Council, Caitriona Kenneally, Mayfair Library, Josephine Coyne, County Librarian, Donal McEllin, Mayfair Library, Karyn Deegan, Age Friendly Co-Ordinator Kilkenny Library Service, Nuala Roche, Mayfair Library.</h6>
<h4>Bealtaine Festival&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h4>
<p>One of the highlights of Kilkenny Library Service’s programming is the annual Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates creativity as we age. In May 2024, library branches hosted workshops in memoir writing, drama, art, and music, offering patrons of all ages the chance to explore and express themselves.</p>
<h4>Health and Wellbeing</h4>
<p>This autumn, Kilkenny Library launched a collaborative programme with the Kilkenny County Council Age Friendly Programme, the Older People’s Council, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána at the newly opened Mayfair Library. Over eight weeks, this initiative provided talks on health and well-being, community safety, assisted decision-making, and safeguarding, engaging older residents on key topics in their lives.</p>
<h4>Welcome Recognition</h4>
<p>Karyn Deegan, Kilkenny Library Service Age Friendly Coordinator, expressed her pride in the achievement:</p>
<p>“We are delighted at our recent achievement of receiving an Age Friendly Status for our libraries, as it recognises the effort of our staff to provide an inclusive provision of service to older people. We look forward to continuing our partnership with local organisations to develop future programmes and supports for our local communities.”</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/" target="_blank">Kilkenny Library Service's website</a> or contact Age Friendly Coordinat or Karyn Deegan at 056 4440561.</p>
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County Kilkenny Libraries Achieve Age Friendly Status

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