Press Release New Thomastown Library Officially Opened

New Thomastown Library Officially Opened

Kilkenny welcomed Minister Dara Calleary yesterday to officially open the new Thomastown Library.  This facility, previously home to the Thomastown sports hall, has been transformed into a major public facility with more than 700 square metres of community library space available over two floors. 
The project was funded by Minister Calleary, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Kilkenny County Council representing an investment of over €4.6 million. 

The Thomastown library reflects what a 21st Century library should be with comfortable seating and browsing areas, dedicated community exhibition space, programming and events throughout the year, public internet access, printing and scanning facilities, with 3D printing and scanning, sewing machines and more. 

The facility will operate as a “My Open Library” space available to registered users for up to 98 hours per week making it an accessible space for study and contemplation at times that suit people best.

Speaking at yesterday’s official opening Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr Joe Malone welcomed the addition of the new Thomastown Library and commented “this is a wonderful new chapter for Thomastown community and for County Kilkenny and represents an investment in people, in learning, in communities and in the future of Thomastown”.  
The facilities at the new Thomastown library will allow for the continued expansion of library services in Kilkenny representing an investment in our communities and citizens.

New buildings and capital investment across Kilkenny County Council Library Service is ongoing with the official opening of the Thomastown Library today, the relocation and refurbishment of the Carnegie Library into a local studies and cultural hub commencing in 2027 and the proposed development of a new facility in Callan town centre. This capital investment will increase both the quality and usage of libraries across Kilkenny.

Callan-Thomastown Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr. Deirdre Cullen reflected on the high usage so far since the library opened with over 8500 visits through the doors. She commented “that investing in knowledge, creativity and community is one of the best investments we can make. Every euro invested in our libraries strengthens our communities”. 
In an era where information is abundant yet often access remains unequal the importance of public libraries has never been more important. 
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For further information contact County Librarian Josephine Coyne via email at josephine.coyne@kilkennycoco.ie

Image 1: Minister Dara Calleary Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht with local elected representatives, staff of Kilkenny County Council Library Service and community members at the official opening of the new Thomastown Library. Photo Credit – Dylan Vaughan