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Severe flooding sees library moved to ancient site

Niall McCrackenMid Ulster reporter, BBC News NI
News imageGetty Images Two towers made of pale brick stand alongside each other on a green area. In the background are trees and tall buildings.Getty Images
From the 14th century onwards, the Hill of the O'Neill was the seat of military and political power in Ulster

Severe flooding has seen a library temporarily moved to a building that is considered a gateway to one of the most ancient sites in Ulster.

Dungannon Library had to close its doors earlier this month following significant flooding caused by issues within the underground drainage network.

While repairs get under way the main part of the library has been moved to Ranfurly House, a listed Victorian building that sits at the front of the Hill of the O'Neill.

Those who use the library say it provides a "vital social lifeline" to many in the local area and have praised the speedy solution of an alternative location.

'This is about more than books'

From the 14th Century onwards, the hill was the seat of military and political power of the O'Neill clan, chosen because of its height advantage and panoramic views.

Libraries NI and Mid Ulster Council came together to find accommodation there for the library.

Margaret Bell, from Libraries NI, said it "really is an example of community coming together because libraries are about much more than books".

"For a lot of people it's just a safe space to come, have a cup tea, read the papers, maybe pick up a book and have a sit down without any pressure and I think we've been able to re-capture that in the new space."

News imageA woman with blonde, bobbed hair looks into the camera, She is wearing a red V-Neck top and has a silver chain around her neck. In the background are parked cars
Margaret Bell is Head of Services at Libraries NI

She added: "We facilitate everyone from babies to the elderly. We have a lot of students studying at the minute and we have our rhythm and rhyme class for children, as well as our adult reading groups, all being looked after in the new space."

On a clear day, the highest point of the hill provides views of Lough Neagh, the Sperrins and Mourne Mountains and as far away as Cavehill in Belfast.

In the 18th Century, a prosperous businessman, Thomas Knox Hannington, built a grand house on the site, and its ruins can still be seen today.

In the shadow of the towers, a space now plays host to the library's rhythm and rhyme classes for children.

News imageA woman with blonde hair in a bun wearing a white top with black stripes sits on a chair, holding a young child The child has short, dark hair and is wearing a pink top. The side of someone's arm is visible on the right of the pair.
Angela Lynch and her granddaughter are regular users of the library's rhythm and rhyme classes

Angela Lynch takes her granddaughter, Béibhin, to the rhythm and rhyme classes on a regular basis.

She said: "First of all it's a free and accessible class, three times a week and as a granny that's really handy to have a place to take them and it's brilliant for the children and seeing them interact with other babies.

"I was a bit worried when I heard about the flood, but having this alternative space is great because it means the children aren't going to miss out and it keeps that routine."

She added: "It's just a lovely atmosphere and the children learn a lot and it's brilliant for the developmental language and social skills."

News imageA man with blonde/grey hair and a beard looks into the camera. He has dark glasses. He is wearing a dark jacket and a purple and navy patterned shirt. In the background are stairs.
William Ward runs an adult reading group through Dungannon Library

William Ward runs an adult reading group through Dungannon Library and said there was a "certain degree of angst that the library was going to be closed for regular activities".

"The library in this town is a fairly vital community resource, for many people the library is quite literally the place where they will socialise with other people, so it's important to still have this space because there are many people who suffer from social isolation without it."

News imageA library with many books in it. A woman with blonde bobbed hair has her back to the camera and is holding a couple of books. She is wearing a pale top and dark trousers. To the right is a horizontal book holder. To the left are shelves full of books. In the background, a man sits at a computer next to a bank of windows.
The temporary library has been set up at Ranfurly House at The Hill of the O'Neill

Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew facilitated discussions between the library and the council about helping to find the new premises.

He said: "I'm delighted to see this wonderful cooperation between the council, the library and the wider community.

"The library serves a vital function all year round but particularly at this time of year in our town with exams ongoing."

DUP councillor Frances Burton and chair of Mid Ulster District Council, said it was "delighted to partner with Libraries NI to offer an immediate solution to the recent closure of Dungannon Library".

"We recognise the importance of and are committed to providing an alternative space for members of the public to continue to access services," he said.

Libraries NI said they hoped the library building in Dungannon would re-open by the middle of June, but that this date could shift if repairs take longer.