The new €3.75 million Athy Community Library, Co Kildare, has been officially opened by Minster Michael Ring, 03 May.

The library opened to the public on 07 March.

It has been relocated to the former Dominican Church in Convent Lane, with a careful renovation taking place to reserve the artwork and stained glass windows.

The total library space is 970 metres squared, with a largely open plan. This openness allows for self-service facilities, increased interaction from library staff, enhanced citizen engagement and optimum accessibility.

It also has several different spaces: an Adult Library Space, a Children and Young People's Space, a Digital Services and IT Space, and flexible multi-purpose spaces.

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The key features of the new development include:

• Self Service Kiosks for the borrowing and return of library items

• Innovative Technology to enable access to the library 365 days per year

• Free Wifi

• 12 public access computers

• Self-printing service with the option to print from home or from your mobile device

• A multipurpose space for lectures/workshops and programmed events

• Community Meeting Rooms to cater for various group sizes

• A multifunctional children's library with a storytelling zone

• Technology to support and develop reading, life-long learning, active citizenship

• Toys, Technology and Training Collection

• Digital meeting facilities

Speaking at the opening, the Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Martin Miley said: "This wonderful building has realised its new potential as a space for learning, connecting, exploring, creating and imagining."

County Librarian, Marian Higgins added that the project was delivered in a tight timeframe and was the first significant capital library build project finished under the National 2016-2021 Programme.  

(CM/MH)