Douglas Library MOL Service to Return After Anti-Social Behaviour Suspension

Cork City Council is working to reinstate the popular My Open Library (MOL) extended hours service at Douglas Library, following its suspension in early February due to persistent anti-social behaviour.

The MOL service allows registered library members to access participating branches from 8am to 10pm every day, including weekends, during unstaffed hours. Members can borrow and return books, collect reserved items, access public computers, use WiFi, print, photocopy, and use the study space.

The service at Douglas was suspended after library staff received multiple reports from MOL members about boisterous and unsafe behaviour during unstaffed hours. A review of CCTV footage confirmed the reports and identified two forms of tailgating: deliberate unauthorised entry, and accidental entry by individuals who assumed the library was open to the public. The findings raised health and safety concerns and led to the suspension of the service.

Cork City Council has since been assessing options to allow for the reinstatement of the service. It now plans to install a modified and safer entry point, which will include an additional gate beyond the initial MOL entry point. Similar to a turnstile at a train station, it will require members to scan their membership card a second time and filter the flow of people entering the building. Increased signage will also be used to advise people of the MOL conditions of use and hours of operation.

Converting the existing double-door entrance to a single-door system has been referred for assessment under fire safety regulations. The timescale for the overall work is dependent on the certification of the changes and the physical works being undertaken.

A spokesperson for Cork City Libraries said:

"We have not encountered the same level of tailgating and disruptive behaviour in our other My Open Library branches and we look forward to reintroducing MOL to Douglas Library as soon as the necessary changes have been made to the entrance."

The spokesperson added:

"Cork City Libraries value the MOL initiative and are keen to move forward and reinstate the service at the first opportunity."

The MOL service continues to operate at Bishopstown Library, Blackpool Library, and Glanmire Library.