Blanchardstown Library has been awarded Library of Sanctuary status.

Fingal Libraries is delighted to announce that Blanchardstown Library has been awarded Library of Sanctuary status. Following the submission of an extensive portfolio to Places of Sanctuary Ireland, Blanchardstown Library has been given the Library of Sanctuary award in recognition of the consistent and innovative work that goes into making Blanchardstown library a champion for inclusion and welcome. Following in the footsteps of Balbriggan library, Blanchardstown library is the second library in Fingal to be given Library of sanctuary recognition.

Dr Veronica Crosbie presented the award at a ceremony hosted by Blanchardstown Library on Monday 7th July at 2.30 pm. The event was attended by the members of the awarding committee and local interest groups who contributed to the library of sanctuary submission on behalf of Blanchardstown Library.

Places of Sanctuary Ireland is a network of groups in towns, cities and local communities which share the objectives of promoting a culture of welcome, and inclusiveness right across every sector of society, so that wherever people seeking sanctuary go they will feel safe, find people who welcome them and understand why they are here, and have opportunities to be included in all activities. Sanctuary Awards are used to recognise exemplary work in this field. A Sanctuary Award is given to an organisation that can demonstrate commitment to the values and vision of welcome, and that has applied the network principles within the organisation and its projects or activities. 

County Librarian Betty Boardman, 

“Libraries play a key role in building cohesive and sustainable communities, and in supporting healthy place-making, by providing inclusive community space, collections and programming that engage people and support culture, recreation, literacy, education, and lifelong learning. This award is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of all the staff at Blanchardstown Library and Fingal Libraries who continue to strengthen and support communities by providing a dynamic, inclusive and responsive library service.” 

For further information, please contact: 

Brian Mulcahy, Senior Executive Librarian / Yinka Parm, Librarian 

Blanchardstown Library

Tel: 01- 8905560

E mail: [email protected]  / [email protected]