Belfast's Oldest Library To Close On Saturday's

Belfast's oldest library is to close on Saturdays due to financial reasons.

The closure of The Linen Hall Library has caused widepread disappointment.

SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said it should be supported to open "as much as possible".

She said: "For what would be a saving of £25,000, senior citizens, students, historians and anyone with a love of learning will lose so much more. The history of places like the Linen Hall Library, the richness it brings to the city, and the knowledge it holds for all those coming through its doors is invaluable.

"The savings needed by the Linen Hall Library are a drop in the ocean when compared to the losses in public funds through botched initiatives such as the Renewable Heat Incentive which has cost the taxpayer £460m, as well as the Social Investment Fund which has given public money to groups linked with paramilitaries.

"It seems such cuts are becoming acceptable for a society increasingly accustomed to the continuous lack of Government. This is but one story in a long list of closures and cuts that reminds us of the vital importance for the need for a sitting Assembly and functioning Executive to ensure that this Saturday closure of the Linen Hall Library does not become a recurring theme."

(CD/MH)