Author: karenmccague

We are delighted to let you know that Summer Stars 2020 is ready to go in Libraries across Co. Monaghan.  You can arrange to pick up your Reading Challenge Card from today in Carrickmacross, Clones and Monaghan Branch Libraries.  They will be available in Castleblayney and Ballybay next week.

Please check the opening hours and contact details for your local library here.  We would advise you call up to register your interest and library staff can have your Challenge Card ready and waiting for you to collect and avoid any queues!

Find out all about Summer Stars and how it works by visiting https://monaghan.ie/library/summerstars2020/ 

Public Libraries are due to begin offering more services to the public  as outlined in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. However, it will be some time before full library services can resume.

What to expect in Phase 2

Our first priority will be to make arrangements for a safe lending & return service via a ‘Contact and Collect’ type model.
This means that at first, library spaces will be restricted to library staff only and will not be accessible to the public. Instead, you can contact Clones, Carrickmacross or Monaghan branch libraries by phone. Please have your Library card details to hand when calling. If you have specific requests let us know, otherwise you can chat with the librarian about what you like to read in general and they will choose a selection of titles based on your/your children’s preferences. When you call you will be given a designated time at which to collect your order. Please ONLY come at your designated time so as we can avoid multiple people gathering at the library doors. It is imperative that you keep a safe social distance from Library staff and other users. You are welcome to return books during your visit but you will be asked to place them in a returns box rather than handing them to Library staff. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation during this period of phased re-opening.

As the government roadmap progresses, the library sector will plan a gradual re-opening aligned to health and safety directives. But over time, and with caution and care, we will begin to re-open our buildings to the public.
In all situations, the health and safety of library users and staff will be paramount. Social distancing will be observed where library users interact with services, and all health and safety protocols will be observed.
You can continue to use your library online!
Don’t forget, you can access library services online, and these online services will continue to be available as we move through the re-opening phases. You can:
• join the library online;
• download eBooks and eAudiobooks;
• read magazines and newspapers
• take eLearning or language courses;
• watch or listen to storytimes; or,
• take part in other activities like virtual author visits & other webinar events.

Due to increased demand for our Home Delivery service we have decided to take calls directly through selected Libraries rather than asking you to go through the Community Support Helpline. Our 3 larger branch libraries will be arranging deliveries for across the County so if you are in the Ballybay area please contact Clones Library and if you are in the Castleblayney area please contact Carrickmacross Library. Don’t forget, this service is for ANYONE who is Cocooning or in Self Isolation – whether you are a Library Member or not! Library staff will be available to take delivery requests from Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm. Please have your Eircode available.

If you have found a bit of time to do those things you always meant to but never did, now is the time to get working on your Family Tree.  If you are completely new to Genalogy & Local History you may like to have a look at our introductory video guides which were put together by Library staff.  They will give you an overview of how to access and use the various online resources and should help you get started on your journey.  If you need extra help or guidance please contact our Local History Librarian, Catriona Lennon @ 047 74713 or email clennon@monaghancoco.ie

You can find the complete series at www.monaghan.ie/library/local-history-videos

Usually at this time of year we would be hosting lots of ‘Spring Into Storytime’ events.  Although our Iibraries remain closed, the show must go on!  Library Storytimes are now going virtual.  You can check them out on the Monaghan County Libraries Facebook Page, Twitter or You Tube Channel.

Are you struggling for ideas or resources for Homeschooling? Keep an eye on our new Webpage which has been developed as a single point for verified educational resources. Our Library staff are appraising websites and collating the best of what is available free of charge.  You’ll find it a www.monaghan.ie/library/homeschool