Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Economy Minister Conor Murphy have officially opened the newly refurbished library in Ballymoney.
The library, which has been a critical service for residents in Ballymoney and the surrounding rural areas since 1970, has undergone significant investment to set a new benchmark for sustainability and energy efficiency, providing a modern, functional space for library users young and old.
Following a tour of the new facility, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said:
“It is great to see the re-opening of the library which provides a full range of library services, as well as offering local people a much needed, accessible and inviting shared space.
“Libraries are integral to the local community and I’m delighted to see that Ballymoney Library has something for everyone, from IT support to Health and Wellbeing classes. I am particularly pleased that the library has extended the Class Visits programme to encourage more school pupils to visit and enjoy everything Ballymoney Library has to offer.
“I am confident that the revitalised library will continue to play an important role in Ballymoney, attracting new users of all ages.”
Economy Minister Conor Murphy said:
“Decarbonising the economy is a key commitment of my Economic Plan, and my Department’s ‘Energy Invest to Save Fund’, has invested £73m across the region to support government bodies in reducing their energy costs and carbon emissions. The fund, which enabled this refurbishment, has not only supported Ballymoney library to become energy efficient, but it has also secured its future as a valuable hub for the local community. Collaboration across government is essential for the delivery of energy decarbonisation and will ensure that communities across the region benefit.”
The refurbishment, supported by the Department for Communities and the Department for the Economy’s Energy Invest to Save Programme 2023/24, has transformed Ballymoney Library into the first public building refurbishment designed to the EnerPHit standard to be completed in the UK.
The EnerPHit standard is an energy efficiency benchmark developed by the Passivhaus Institute, which focuses on retrofitting existing buildings to achieve a high energy efficiency rating. Refurbishing to the EnerPHit standard ensures that older buildings meet modern energy efficiency values.
Ballymoney Library has also been shortlisted in the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) excellence awards.
Speaking at the event, Dr Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive said:
"We are thrilled to see Ballymoney Library reopen as a pathfinder in sustainable public building design. This project underscores our commitment to creating spaces that are not only welcoming and functional but also environmentally responsible.
“The successful completion of this refurbishment demonstrates what can be achieved through thoughtful investment and collaboration and we are grateful to everyone that has helped with this project. It is also positive to see how the community has embraced the library with 449 new members having joined the library at the end of August.”
Ballymoney Library is open six days per week including a late night and a Saturday. Visit librariesni.org.uk for full details.