Kilkenny County Council Library Service was delighted to launch Skills for Life, a new national library initiative, at Loughboy Library on Tuesday July 1st. This innovative programme marks a renewed commitment to fostering life-long learning, personal development, and community engagement through Ireland’s library network.
With a focus on six key areas—digital literacy, financial literacy, media literacy, business and employment skills, health awareness, and sustainable lifestyles and environmental awareness—this initiative aims to equip adults and young adults with the essential skills needed to navigate modern life.
The programme is supported by funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, enabling Kilkenny County Council Library Service to expand its educational offerings and develop programming tailored to community needs.
“Libraries have always supported life-long learning, and our libraries are trusted sources of information and places of learning”, says Skills for Life Co-ordinator Karyn Deegan. “This new initiative acknowledges the work already being done in our branches whilst providing us with funding to offer additional programming to support a very dynamic offering in our libraries. It will also allow us to focus our efforts on new areas of need such as financial literacy and media literacy.”
Kilkenny County Council Library Service looks forward to collaborating with local agencies and organisations who work in adult education, media, finance, business and employment , health and well-being and sustainability to enhance the delivery of our new Skills for Life programme.
Skills for Life will be rolled out across library branches countywide, offering free events, workshops, and resources designed to empower individuals and promote a culture of continuous learning and wellbeing.
For details of upcoming events, check out our website www.kilkennylibrary.ie or contact our Skills for Life Co-Ordinator, Karyn Deegan at Castlecomer Library on 056 4440561.
