There’s more to your local library than just books

Béibhinn Thorsch

Libraries are no longer just a place for book lending, with services ranging from access to online resources and hobby groups for adults – and more!

Your local library also lends out much more than just books – you can take out magazines, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks. Libraries provide a wide range of material for all literacy and age levels, as well as providing adult literacy and basic education material.

Libraries also can provide meeting rooms for groups and organisations. Sometimes your local library may host guest lectures, exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations as well.

Clubs and groups for all ages span a wide variety of activities in any library. For younger kids, Finglas Library has a parent and toddler group, as well as providing children’s activities and a junior book club, also available at the Coolock and Ballymun branches.

Coolock and Ballymun have a Children’s Learning Zone. For younger kids, Ballymun Library provides Wobbler and Toddler book clubs. By contacting the libraries directly, you can find out when children’s storytelling events happen.

Libraries are not just providing social activities for children, however, as there are plenty of educational and social activities for adults – many of which are free.

Ballymun hosts a Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) drop-in clinic, as well as a social drop-in. If you’re looking to take up a new hobby, there are adult book clubs in most libraries.

Coolock and Ballymun libraries host adult art groups, and if you’re looking to get crafty, there are also painting, sewing/quilting and needlecraft groups. For word-lovers, Ballymun Library also provides a writing group and a scrabble group.

Ballymun Library provides access to the U3A (University of the Third Age), which is a lifelong learning co-operative for older people no longer in full-time work. An informal learning circle meets in the library every second Monday, from 2-4pm.

If this kind of learning initiative is not suited to you, there are also plenty of online resources that cater for a wide range of needs and activities. All you need is a library card to be able to access online services and mobile apps which provide e-learning, e-books (including magazines, comics and novels), audiobooks and even free music.

You can also connect your account to the Dublin City Libraries app. For a full list of the e-resources you can gain access to through your library card, visit the Dublin City website.

Libraries also provide a range of disability accessible and multicultural services and host events throughout the year that celebrate inclusion and diversity. Many resources and materials are available in multiple languages for all ages.

If you’re looking for something that isn’t provided inside the library, or if you wish to advertise something, all libraries have community noticeboards, which are a great source of local information.

The libraries in Finglas, Coolock, and Ballymun are open 6 days a week. For opening times and further information, visit www.dublincity.ie