National Public Libraries Open Day 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Kilkenny County Council Library Service to Celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025

Initiative encourages communities to take a closer look at range of free services offered to all by public libraries

Image: National Public Libraries Open Day

Kilkenny County Council Library Service will join libraries across Ireland on Saturday, 27 September to celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025.

The nationwide campaign invites the public to “Take a Closer Look” at the modern, inclusive, and vibrant services libraries offer today. It highlights the evolving role of libraries in Irish society as places of entertainment, learning, connection, creativity, and community support.

This year’s campaign highlights that library membership is free and open to all, while raising awareness of the wide range of services available. In addition to a wide range of books, today’s libraries offer free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, and eLearning Courses, alongside programmes of events for all ages, access to printing services, creative and study spaces. Public libraries are welcoming, accessible, inclusive community spaces that offer services and spaces to children and adults who are neurodiverse, while fostering wellbeing, life-long learning, and connection for everyone.  

To mark National Public Libraries Open Day 2025, Kilkenny Libraries are offering a variety of events with straw crafting and seed saving to silent reading and storytimes, whether you’re a seasoned library member or visiting for the first time.

National Public Libraries Open Day is about more than events; it’s a chance to rediscover what your local library can offer. From free access to eBooks, audiobooks, and online learning platforms to creative spaces, printing services, and inclusive programming for neurodiverse users, libraries are evolving to meet the needs of modern communities.

“Libraries today are vibrant, inclusive spaces where people of all ages come to learn, connect, and feel part of something bigger,” said County Librarian Josephine Coyne. “At Kilkenny County Council Library Service, we witness every day how libraries foster community, whether its toddlers discovering the joy of story time, students preparing for exams, retirees enjoying book clubs, or jobseekers accessing digital resources. Libraries offer a welcoming environment where friendships form, ideas grow, and people feel less isolated and more empowered. We’re proud to be part of this national celebration and warmly invite everyone to visit us on Public Libraries Open Day or any day to explore all that our libraries have to offer.”

Sophie Walsh Executive Library said: “Today’s public libraries are dynamic community spaces that foster learning, creativity, wellbeing, and connection. They offer far more than books: from access to technology and digital resources to creative areas and inclusive programmes like Summer Stars, Family Time at the Library, Literacy for All, Skills for Life, and digital lending services.

National Public Libraries Open Day is a perfect opportunity to discover all that your local library has to offer. Whether you're curious to learn something new, meet others, or simply explore the possibilities, libraries are open, welcoming places full of inspiration and opportunity.”

Everyone is encouraged to join the national conversation using the hashtags #LibrariesOpenDay and #TakeACloserLook.

ENDS

Media contact: Sophie Walsh Executive Librarian sophie.walsh@kilkennycoco.ie

Notes for Editors:

• National Public Libraries Open Day is a nationwide celebration that invites people of all ages to explore the wide range of services offered by their local libraries. Under the theme "Take a Closer Look," libraries will host open house events to create better awareness of public library services. The day aims to highlight the evolving role of libraries as vibrant community hubs, offering free membership, no late fees, and access to over 12 million books, eBooks, audiobooks, and online resources. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with library staff, discover new services, and celebrate the essential role libraries play in Irish life.