Dundrum Library marks 100 years in the community

DUNDRUM Library celebrated its centenary in splendid style on Wednesday, August 20.

Originally opened to the public on August 12, 1914, this most westerly branch library in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown was designed by architect RM Butler who also designed some of the other Carnegie libraries in Cabinteely, Glencullen, Sandyford and Shankill.

The official opening in 1914 was attended by various dignitaries including the Lord Chancellor, Lord Shandon, the librarian of the National Library, TW Lyster and the poet WB Yeats.

The evening back in 1914 concluded with a gala concert and this time round, the audience enjoyed a series of talks, poetry readings, exhibitions and music.

Since it opened, Dundrum Library has served many purposes in addition to its main focus as a library.

It had been a private school in the 1920s and 30s and has been used for concerts, dances, plays and even jumble sales.

Speaking on the night, the cathaoirleach Cllr Marie Burke said:

“On behalf of all the groups who currently use this library I would like to thank the staff and the many others who have worked here over the years providing such an important service to the local community and to congratulate you all on the centenary of this very popular local library.

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An exhibition by John Lennon of the Dundrum & District Historical Society, which will run in the Library until September 30, has some fascinating details on display on the history of the library.

Included are copies of some of the early minutes of the Rathdown Town Council when efforts were being made to set up the library and a newspaper cutting giving an account of the Lord Chancellor’s speech on August 12, only a week after Great Britain had declared war on Germany.