Raheny Library’s 50th birthday to be celebrated on Saturday

The 50th birthday of one of Dublin’s most popular suburban libraries, the Raheny library, will celebrated on Saturday, September 10.

Dublin City’s second busiest library opened its doors in 1972 and it was the second of a series of branch libraries built by Dublin Corporation during this period.

Preceded by Dolphin’s Barn and followed by Ballymun, these libraries were a departure in design, with separate, dedicated children’s libraries and a strong focus on light and space.

“Contemporary mid-century furniture, natural finishes and an abundance of windows brought a shot of light and modernism to the Dublin suburbs of the time,” Dublin City Council says.

Built at a cost of £65,000 and with a stock of some 25,000 volumes, the library soon established itself as a “much loved hub of activity in Raheny village”.

The library has been the location for some exciting events over the years, such as the filming of some scenes from ‘The Snapper’ (1993).

Following the opening of the Central library in 1986, Raheny was the first of Dublin City’s suburban branches to move to automation, with barcoded tickets and a computerised catalogue.

In the coming months Raheny will become the second branch in DCC’s network to offer My Open Library.

This service allows users who register, to access the branch from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

The initiative will be in addition to existing staffed hours.

Today the library has a stock of 87,000 books, DVDs, magazines and “much more for patrons to choose from”.

“In recent years a beautiful community garden was opened, making the library a very popular spot in the recent heatwave.”

“To mark this important milestone in the history of Raheny, we are throwing a party,” the local authority says.

“On Saturday 10th September from 2-4pm, Raheny library users old and new are invited to come along and celebrate this Raheny institution.

“Cllr Donna Cooney, representing the Lord Mayor’s will open proceedings.

“There will be refreshments and entertainment provided by traditional musicians Comhaltas Craobh and Seán Treacy.

“Not forgetting the library’s most important patrons, children’s entertainment will be provided by Sarah Sparkles and her puppet friends with songs, rhymes and balloon modelling. All are welcome.”