Launch of Library Development Plan: Creating Vibrant and Sustainable Communities 2025–2029

Kilkenny Library Service is delighted to announce the launch of its new Library Development Plan, Creating Vibrant and Sustainable Communities 2025–2029. This forward-thinking strategy sets out our vision for the coming years, ensuring that libraries remain as dynamic spaces where knowledge, culture, and connection thrive, at the heart of the community.

This plan provides a strategic roadmap for how our library service will grow, innovate, and adapt—enhancing services and facilities while meeting the evolving needs of our communities, embracing new opportunities, and ensuring we remain a trusted resource for everyone.

The plan focuses on:

• User experience: Placing people at the heart of what we do by taking a user-centred approach to the development of operations, services and programmes.
• Community Connectivity and Cultural Engagement: Building and encouraging meaningful civic and cultural connection and participation, offering spaces for people to connect, engage and share.
• Knowledge and Innovation: Adopting an innovative approach to creating, sharing, and using knowledge in an evolving technological environment.
• Literacy and Learning: Supporting development of literacy skills including practical, critical and digital skills in line with growing skill and ability demands.
• Sustainability and Adaptability: Implementation of sustainability and adaptability measures to ensure long-term resilience and to ensure we meet community needs effectively.

“Kilkenny’s libraries are central to the life in our communities,” comments Cathaoirleach, Mary Hilda Cavanagh, “and this ambitious plan will foster vibrant, sustainable communities where knowledge, culture, and connection flourish.”

County Librarian Josephine Coyne comments “By embracing innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability, Kilkenny Library Service will continue to be a trusted local resource—empowering Kilkenny’s people and shaping a better future."

This Library Development Plan reflects our commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community empowerment. It is more than a strategy—it is an invitation to everyone to engage, learn, and grow with us.

The Development Plan is available  to download here, and in our library branches. 

For more information contact Aisling Kelly, Senior Executive Librarian on aisling.kelly@kilkennycoco.ie 056 779 4160