Minister Welcomes Committee’s Regional Library Motion

The Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure today brought a Motion to the floor of the Assembly which called on the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure to support the redevelopment of Belfast Central Library as a regional library hub.

Chairperson of the Committee, Miss Michelle McIlveen MLA, said: "Today's Motion was about recognising the economic, social and educational benefits that a regional library for Northern Ireland could provide.

"Belfast Central Library has served the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland for the last 125 years. However, while once considered to be a leading city library, this architectural gem is now blighted by the ravages of time and can no longer deliver all the services expected of a modern, fit-for-purpose library.

"The Committee is delighted that the Minister has agreed to look favourably upon Libraries NI proposals to deliver a fitting flagship building within a transformed communications and learning hub at Library Square.

"A regional library offers a number of additional benefits which complement the important role played by library services in local communities, which the Committee supports."

Irene Knox, Libraries NI, said: "Libraries NI is grateful to the Committee for bringing this motion forward today; and for its recognition of the important role of Belfast Central Library. Libraries NI is also appreciative of the Minister's support, in principle, of a redeveloped central library."