16 Mary Farragher, Librarian Ballinrobe Library

Mary serves her community willingly and cheerfully.

By Averil Staunton

Hailing from Moycullen Mary Farragher (nee Bohan) attended secondary school in Galway; joining the General Accident Insurance Company on graduation. She arrived in Ballinrobe as a young bride where she settled with her husband Kieran and raised their four children Louise, Chris, Martin and Aoife. Mary enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and also has a large circle of friends both in Ballinrobe and Galway.

Library

Later Mary was employed by Mayo County Council as the local librarian based at Cornmarket originally, before Mary oversaw the move to our current Library in 1994 at the old Church of Ireland located right at the heart of the town.

Community 

Mary has served her community with enthusiasm and cheerfulness over the years and has overseen the introduction of technology to the library together with classes for the community. She has given of her free time willingly, hosting many talks, readings, lectures, exhibitions and entertainment many after official opening hours. Mary also set up a book club for library members and ensures that each member receives copies of relevant books each month.

Mary is an active member of the St. Vincent DePaul and the Ballinrobe Historical Society.  She set up a book club for members and ensures that each member receives copies of relevant books each month.

Students of all ages will remember Mary’s encouragement and support during their study time for Leaving Cert where she facilitated a safe and secure environment for them each year at the Library.

Mary is particularly interested in promoting reading for children and participates in the Children’s Book Festival annually.

Contact details:

Mary Farragher, Librarian, Main Street, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, 
+353 (0)94 9541896
email: mfarragher@mayococo.ie

Hours:

Monday: Closed 
Tuesday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm 
Wednesday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm 
Thursday: 11:00am - 4:00pm 
Friday: Closed 
Saturday: 11:00am - 4:00pm 

PLEASE NOTE: The Library is closed on the Saturday of Bank Holiday weekends. Use our website to renew books, or to download audiobooks, ebooks, magazines and newspapers.

Services of Ballinrobe Library:

• Comprehensive collection of books including:
  Large collection of fiction
  Non-fiction books covering all subjects, from popular to academic
  Large-print books
  Audio books
  Books for children from picture books for the younger child to fiction for older children
  Special collections for teenagers
• Annual Children's Book Festival every October
• CDs, Audiocassettes, Videos and DVDs
• Special Requests and Inter-Library Loans 
• Free Internet access and access to online information services  such as Irish Times, Encyclopedia Brittanica, Wilson Periodicals Database, Credo Reference and Factfinder Business Information. 
• Small reference section for Local History 
• Photocopying facilities 
• Exhibitions, talks and other events for both adults and children.
• Bookclub
• Multi-cultural Resources CD containing the Full Licence, Provisional Licence and Tax Renewal application forms in eight different languages.