Age Friendly Library

Age Friendly LibraryPNG

Kilkenny Library Service achieved an Age Friendly Status for each of our 8 library branches and our mobile library service.

The service continually provides events, resources and looks to implement changes to improve our services such as:

An Age Friendly parking space at Castlecomer Library
Age Friendly trolleys available in many branches
Reading aids available in all branches
Age Friendly programming in all library branches

Age Friendly Events

Kilkenny Library Service participates in the national Bealtaine Festival each year which celebrates the arts and creativity as we age.

For details of all events check out our calendar of events

All are welcome to attend.

“Handy Helps” Collection to Support Independent Living

The Handy Helps collection, a practical and accessible resource designed to support older members of the community to live more independently in their own homes.

The collection consists of a range of carefully selected aids and gadgets that assist with everyday tasks and activities. These items are grouped into 3 themed Handy Helps packs: Culinary Aids, Mobility Aids and Social Aids. Each pack contains several items and is loaned as a single unit, allowing borrowers to try the aids in their own homes for up to eight weeks.
Items in the Culinary Aids pack include lightweight foam-handled cutlery, an incurve plate surround to help keep food on the plate, a bottle opener, jar opener and contour turner to reduce strain on hands when gripping or turning objects.
The Mobility Aids pack supports independent dressing and movement, with items such as a button hook and zip puller, a plastic shoehorn, and a sock aid. Ideal for people with limited mobility, flexibility or hand dexterity.
The Social Aids pack includes everyday supports such as a doorknob turner, a plug pull, a two-key turner and a portable car assist handle, helping to make daily tasks safer and more manageable.
Each Handy Helps pack includes clear information sheets explaining how to use and care for each item, allowing borrowers to make informed decisions about what best suits their needs.

The Handy Helps items were chosen by Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Age Friendly Coordinator, with expert input from Kilkenny’s Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme and HSE Occupational Therapy services.
This initiative forms part of Kilkenny County Council Library Service’s Age Friendly Programme and underlines the library’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community wellbeing.
Handy Helps packs are available to borrow from Mayfair Library, Loughboy Library, Thomastown Library and Castlecomer Library.

Age Friendly Technologies and I.T. support

Magic tables are now available to engage with and encourage interaction for people of all ages. They have proven to be particularly beneficial to those with dementia and sensory difficulties. For further details on using these magic tables, please contact these libraries directly. Magic tables can be found in the following library branches:

Loughboy library (fixed unit, projects light onto a table)

Graig Library (portable unit)

Castlecomer Library (portable unit)

Ferrybank Library (portable unit)

Mayfair Library (portable unit)

C-Pens

Reader Pens read words and full lines of text aloud for independent reading. These digital highlighters can be helpful if you have vision problems. The Reader pen reads text out with a natural speaking voice. They have built-in dictionaries so you can access definitions as you read for better understanding.

We have Reader pens for borrowing in all branches and the mobile library. They can be borrowed, by any library member, for a three-week loan period.

To register your interest in borrowing a Reader Pen, please contact your local branch with your details, including your library card number and we will let you know when one becomes available See https://www.kilkennylibrary.ie/eng/contact_us/

Age Friendly Digital Ambassador

We now have library staff trained as Age Friendly ambassadors who can offer help with getting started on our Borrow Box library app which allows you to download eBooks and eAudiobooks. All of our branches carry age friendly formats like large print and audio books.

Digital-Amassador

I.T. Classes

Age Action will be providing FREE one-on-one computer classes at Mayfair Library for people over the age of 55 who have little or no experience with their device be it a phone, tablet or laptop.

Covering topics of your choice, for example: Search the Internet, Email, Online Shopping, Banking Security, Government Websites, Social Media, Booking Holidays, WhatsApp, Zoom etc.

Classes run for 2 hours per week over 5 weeks. To book a place, contact the Mayfair Library on 056 7794174 or email mayfair@kilkennylibrary.ie

One-to-one Tech support drop in sessions

The following libraries are currently providing one-to-one tech support sessions for older people. These are facilitated by TY students who are on hand to help older people with their smart devices, phones, tablets or laptops.

Mayfair Library

Loughboy Library

For further details, please contact Mayfair Library 056 7794174 or Loughboy Library 056 7794176.

Door to door service

Our door to door service was established during the Covid pandemic with great success and we are delighted that we can continue this personalised service. Our delivery driver will drop books of your choice straight to your door - if you know someone who is over 65yrs living in County Kilkenny and would like to avail of this service, please contact your local library.

Door-to-door-(4)

Age Friendly Parking

Callan have an Age Friendly parking spot.

Castlecomer have an Age Friendly parking spot outside the library.

Loughboy there are Age Friendly parking spaces available as part of the shopping Centre beside Supervalu.

Contact Details and further Information

For further information relating to Age Friendly services at Kilkenny Library Service, please contact our Age Friendly Co-ordinator Alan Dunne at Loughboy Library, 056 7794176