HL Deb 21 February 2005 vol 669 cc143-4WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What range of services are provided directly or indirectly by the Ballyhackamore Library in Belfast; which organisations use the facilities; and whether there are any plans to close the library. [HL1088]

Baroness Amos

Ballyhackamore Library provides a full range of library lending facilities for adults and children including books, large print material, audio books and videos. The library also provides newspapers and magazines for consultation and a range of community information. Public computer facilities provide Internet access and access to the Northern Ireland library catalogue. In 2003–04 the library hosted 28 class visits from local schools and 43 children's storytimes. Photocopying facilities are also available.

The following organisations use the library facilities:

Schools

  • Bloomfield Preparatory School
  • Belmont Infants' Primary School
  • Greenwood Infants' Primary School
  • St Joseph's Primary School [Holland Dr]
  • Strandtown Primary School
  • Strathearn Preparatory School
  • Cabin Hill School
  • Nurseries
  • St. Colmcilles' Pre-School Playgroup
  • Wee Care

Users of Meeting Room

  • Monday Painters
  • Weight Watchers
  • ASSISI
  • War on Want
  • Greek Animal Welfare Society
  • Ballyhackamore Reading Circle
  • Sugarcraft Guild
  • Ballyhackamore Village Trust
  • Caring Canines
  • Yoga
  • Wandsworth Community Association

The Belfast Education and Library Board has advised that it has no immediate plans to close libraries in its area.