A teenage DJ and her fellow deck spinners have replaced the traditional library sound of silence with techno beats.
The Noise Music DJ Collective has completely transformed Tallaght Library in Dublin – and boosted membership at the facility.
Young DJs such as Ellie Long, a third-year student from Clondalkin, are given the opportunity to learn how to spin turntables like the pros and host gigs.
While other library users browse through books downstairs, the DJ students blast out beats upstairs in a dedicated space called The Loft.
The initiative is being showcased ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day tomorrow, Saturday, September 27, the annual celebration across Ireland which showcases the diverse services offered by public libraries.
“The Loft is brilliant for young people. You meet others who are interested in the same music,” Ellie said.
“They provide the equipment for us, and we have loads of gigs.”
The 15-year-old got her love for the DJ scene from her father Alan Long and was inspired by his favourite music from the 90s, including Swedish House Mafia and Tiesto.
Known by her DJ handle as Ellie L, she got her first DJ equipment aged nine, heard about the DJ classes and sessions at The Loft and hasn’t looked back since.
Having already showcased her talents at the Kaleidoscope Festival in Wicklow, her dream is to be a professional DJ when she leaves school.
The Noise Music DJ Collective project is run by Gerry Horan, the facilitator with South Dublin County Council, in partnership with the library.
Local teens, aged 14 to 18, create their own music mixes under the expert guidance of professionals working in the industry.
The project has resulted in a 34% increase in footfall through the library doors.
Teenagers learn how to use industry standard professional DJing equipment to master mixing skills such as beat matching, looping and adding effects.
All participants are given opportunities to perform live sets and create mixes which are broadcast on local radio and streamed online.
Liz Corry, senior executive librarian at South Dublin Libraries, came up with the idea of The Loft as a community space alongside colleague Michael Larkin.
“We have seen a definite increase in the numbers joining the library, especially among the younger age group,” she said.
“It really is fantastic to see The Loft with its DJ music and classes, pool tournaments, art work on the walls and the library itself all under the one roof.
“It’s not a very quiet library, and it is great to see so many young people using the space. And the building is so big that it can accommodate The Loft on a mezzanine.
“Libraries offer free creative spaces in our communities where teenagers can connect, express themselves and develop their talents.”
On National Public Libraries Open Day this Saturday, all library services across the country will be promoting and showcasing the expansive range of services they provide.
See librariesireland.ie for more.