An Leabharlann Fháilteach is a recognition and support scheme that celebrates excellent Irish‑language services in library settings and provides resources and guidance to branches to help them reach the highest standard.
The initiative comes from a staff suggestion within Dublin City Council and it answers a simple question: what is available for Irish speakers when they visit their local library?
A great deal of good work for the Irish language is already happening, but the approach can often involve trial and error.
We worked in partnership with the four Local Authorities in Dublin, and a working group of librarians — two from each authority — was formed, along with the Gaelbhratach team from Gael Linn. Workshops were held to capture best practice, gather the community’s needs, and identify the services that are already working well. From this work, Gael Linn, in collaboration with the library services, developed a recognition scheme with three categories and recommended supports; these are not prescriptive regulations, but guidance based on best practices that are already proving effective.
The criteria are outcome‑based: if the number of people speaking Irish or attending Irish‑language events in a branch increases, the branch receives recognition. Five libraries will take part in the first year and, if the pilot scheme is successful, the number of participating libraries will grow.
In the future, our aim is to support and recognise staff members who want to achieve excellence, to build public confidence in Irish‑language services, and to develop a network of practitioners in every branch. Each branch will have a Branch Champion; they will meet monthly as a group to exchange practices, and a live list of best practices will be updated based on what proves most successful.
For more information and inspiration: see our 5‑Step Guide.
