Background to the Library Service

Mission statement

We will aim to cultivate sustainable, inclusive, engaged communities and continue to promote a love of reading, life-long learning and cultural heritage.

Background

County Kilkenny is a vibrant, citizen-centric community, with 74% of our population based in rural locations, our network of libraries plays an important role in providing equitable access to all. Our library service extends beyond the walls, through outreach programmes to communities and rural locations.
Kilkenny’s Library Service was established in 1923. Two years later, Kilkenny County Council adopted the Public Libraries Act and took over responsibility for running the service including the 60 library centres across the county. 
These were run by local librarians and volunteers, often based in schools and clubs. Books were usually exchanged three times a year. By 1930, the number of centres had grown to 90. 
The Mobile Library Service began in 1972 and now visits approximately 70 locations across the county. A new purpose-built vehicle was introduced in 2010. We provide a service to communities, schools, early learning centres, and nursing homes.
In the 1970s, the branch network expanded to include part-time libraries in Callan and Thomastown. Loughboy Library opened in 1981, offering the city a second library. Graiguenamanagh Library was our first purpose-built library, and opened in 1988 and Urlingford Library followed in 1996. Urlingford was a unique community-led project completed without central government funding and was the first library in Kilkenny to use computers. 
Castlecomer Library opened in 1999 in the former Presentation Convent School. Ferrybank Library opened in 2012, expanding our service to the south.
Mayfair Library opened on April 24, 2024 in a space previously home to the Mayfair Ballroom. The library has been transformed into a library space of 1,800 square metres over two floors, with comfortable seating and browsing areas, dedicated community exhibition space, programming and events throughout the year, public internet access, printing and scanning facilities, makerspace with 3D printing and scanning, sewing machines and more.
Our website also offers access to a suite of digital resources which are available 24/7. 
My Open Library is available in both Castlecomer and Mayfair libraries offering access from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year.