Minister O’Brien opens Clondalkin’s newest library

The Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Joe O’Brien T.D joined the Mayor of South Dublin County, councillor Ed O’Brien, in north Clondalkin last week to open South Dublin County Council’s newest library.

South Dublin County Council says due to Clondalkin’s expanding youth population and demand for services from local schools and community groups, it was identified as a priority the local authority’s libraries’ development plan.

“The new library will be ideally positioned as a key resource in the north Clondalkin area to promote inclusiveness and help young people to reach their potential,” says the council.

South Dublin County Council invested €5.2 million towards the overall cost of the library with the Department of Rural and Community Development contributing €1 million from its Library Capital Programme.

North Clondalkin Library includes a lecture hall, an exhibition space, a digital training suite as well as a smaller meeting room.

Further facilities include easy to use self-service units, extensive seating, a large study area, an internet café, as well as printing and photocopying facilities, adult tablets and free wi-fi available throughout the building.

The children’s area has a dedicated storytelling area, junior tablets, a sensory wall for those with additional needs, child-friendly shelving and seating, and a wide range of books and DVDs for the little ones.

The library also includes an “innovative” Creative Studio space.

The Creative Studio is a free to use digital maker space facilitating the creation of music recordings, podcasts, videos, digital stories, and oral histories.

“At the centre of this space is a recording booth providing library patrons with access to a variety of audio and video recording equipment and software,” says the council

Speaking at the launch, councillor O’Brien said: “I am delighted to open the North Clondalkin Library today and to see the facilities the library will offer the local community.

“I am impressed that the finished library is very modern but keeps a traditional library brickwork design.

“The new library offers extensive seating and study areas, an Internet café, as well as 3D printing, adult and childrens’ tablets and free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

“North Clondalkin Library also offers a Changing Places facility, two accessible gardens for outdoor events and specialist sensory equipment for those with additional needs, making it a welcoming space for everyone.”

Minister Joe O’Brien said: “The public library strategy, ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’ seeks to establish a modern, progressive library service that connects and supports communities, and provides a go-to-place for a range of integrated public services.

“This wonderful facility in Clondalkin certainly delivers on that. It realises the potential of a modern, evolving library service and offers lifelong learning opportunities – supporting literacy, and provides access to a wide range of online resources and modern technology.”