10 Sept 2025
Donegal County Library is proud to announce its participation in Skills for Life, a new nationwide initiative designed to help individuals build essential life skills. The programme is being rolled out across all local authority library services in Ireland and is free to access for everyone.
Donegal County Library is proud to announce its participation in Skills for Life, a new nationwide initiative designed to help individuals build essential life skills. The programme is being rolled out across all local authority library services in Ireland and is free to access for everyone.
The Skills for Life programme offers practical support across six essential areas:
· Helping individuals build basic digital skills for everyday tasks,
· Improving financial literacy for better money management
· Developing media literacy to navigate online information safely
· Providing guidance on employment and business skills
· Promoting health awareness for informed decision-making
· Encouraging sustainable living through environmental education.
“Today’s libraries are vibrant, welcoming spaces where people come not just to read, but to learn, engage, and gain new skills,” Karen Sheehy, Acting Senior Executive Librarian at Donegal County Library Service said.
“The Skills for Life programme allows us to meet our community where they are, offering practical support for everyday challenges. Libraries are trusted, inclusive spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can access supports they need to navigate everyday challenges and meet their goals. It’s about empowering individuals with the confidence and skills to thrive in today’s world.”
The programme is part of the national public libraries The Library is the Place 2023 – 2027 strategy and reflects the expanding role of libraries as trusted community lifelong learning hubs. It is designed to be flexible, allowing each library to tailor delivery to local needs through workshops, curated resources, expert talks, and partnerships with community organisations.
“Skills for Life marks a significant evolution in how libraries support lifelong learning and community wellbeing,” Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) said. “By offering free, accessible resources across key areas like digital literacy, employment skills, and health awareness, we’re helping people build the tools they need to navigate modern life with confidence. This initiative reflects the library sector’s deep commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and public service. Libraries are trusted spaces and through this programme, we’re reinforcing their role as vital community anchors for learning, growth, and resilience.”
Designed to connect with people through themes that matter to their everyday lives, Skills for Life offers something for everyone -from engaged library users looking to build practical skills, to jobseekers and adult learners accessing resources for employment seeking and digital literacy. Community groups and support services can engage with libraries and Skills for Life can have a role in helping their members build confidence and independence, while young adults will find support in navigating modern life through topics like media, health, and digital awareness. Skills for Life affirms the role of libraries as welcoming spaces for learning, empowerment, and personal growth.