Hugely positive reaction to new Moate library

Moate Library has enjoyed a spike in membership in its new home in the revamped old courthouse building.

There has been “huge interest” since the move last month, library assistant Anne McEnroe told the Westmeath Independent, saying the reaction to the refurbishment of the historic building has been hugely positive in Moate and surrounding areas.

“Everyone is delighted that the old building has been refurbished and membership certainly has bumped up since we opened,” Anne enthused, adding that an exhibition room at the rear of the building will come into use shortly and will be available for events and local meetings.

In addition, the development boasts 90% new stock of books, PC access, free Wifi and all new furnishings and fittings.

Given that old courthouse building dates back to the 1830s, they have also found a way of incorporating some of the historic features too.

The judge’s box is retained in the audio-visual section and reinforced glass panels show tunnels discovered during construction linking the old gaol to the courthouse, offering an insight into local history.

“It is exciting for the library to have found a permanent home in such a wonderful historic space at the heart of the town,” said the assistant county librarian, Paula O’Dornan.

“The people of Moate and the surrounding area are passionate about their library and since opening in May, we have had over 2,000 visits.

“We are about to start promoting oue Summer Reading Star programme for children and we hope that the new library will see even more families using the facilities over the summer to encourage confident readers,” she added.

The site of the courthouse in Moate was donated to the county by Lord Castlemaine following a decision by the members of the Westmeath Grand Jury in 1826 to replace the old jail and sessions house in Newtown.

Built in the early 1830s, the courthouse remained an imposing feature on the Main Street despite its changing uses which included use as a town hall. Moate Library previously occupied a room at the rear from 1971 to 2008.

In 2014, Westmeath County Council contracted local firm T. Murray & Son Ltd to carry out the €500,000 refurbishment of the courthouse in order to provide a permanent home for the town library.

On May 18th last, the library opened the doors to the public in its new abode. No longer hidden at the rear, it now offers the public access to books, computers, magazines, computer access etc in the beautifully refurbished courtroom.

Over 5,000 new items of stock have been added and new services such as free WiFi are now available to the public and opening hours have been extended.

In addition, the plaza at the front has incorporated new lighting, benches, ramp, handrails and bicycle racks ensuring that the courthouse remains an impressive part of the Moate landscape and a model of best practice in urban regeneration and sympathetic conservation practices.

The official opening of Moate Library will take place on June 17th next. This will include the launch of the Colm Murray Broadcasting Archive, a sound and video archive made available courtesy of RTÉ Archives.

Colm, a native of Moate, held a long association with RTÉ as newscaster and sports commentator.

Westmeath County Council is delighted that the new library will facilitate access to this archive allowing the public to take inspiration not only from many of the sporting moments he covered, but also his battle with Motor Neurone disease.