Destined launch Free Library Project in Derry

By Charlene KeenanContributor

Published 24th Oct 2023, 12:55 BST

Updated 24th Oct 2023, 12:56 BST

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Destined have launched their Free Library Project recently during World Book Week NI 2023.

The Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council Patricia Logue joined staff and pupils from The Nazareth House Primary School, The Long Tower Primary School, The Fountain Primary School & Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir to unveil the project.

Destined, in partnership with The Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum, have created a series of free Library Boxes which will be installed along the The Foyle Road Green Walk as a reading resource for the local community.

The libraries have been made and decorated by Destined members who have learning disabilities along with members of the BB Health Forum's Shed.

Staff and pupils from Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir with Destined and BB Health Forum staff.

Staff and pupils from Gaelscoil Éadain Mhóir with Destined and BB Health Forum staff.

Destined members will take responsibility for managing and maintaining the Free Library Project. The libraries will contain a mixture of children and adult books.

People who borrow books don’t have a set borrowing time or a limit to the number of books they can take. Instead this project works on a honour system. You don't have to give a book back if you've found one you love. However Destined do encourage people to swap a book out or donate any old books they no longer use to help keep the libraries fully stocked.

Charlene Keenan, Destined Manager said: "We hope that the libraries will inspire reading in people of all ages and abilities and expand book access across the local community.

“We would like to thank the members of the public for their amazing support to date in donating over 1000 books before we even put the libraries up!"

Patricia Logue Derry Strabane District Council