Kilkenny's newest state-of-the-art library officially opens in Thomastown
A €4.6 million investment has transformed the former Thomastown sports hall into a state-of-the-art Kilkenny library with extended opening hours, maker equipment and community facilities...
There was a jovial atmosphere in Thomastown on Thursday evening as the ribbon was cut on the state-of-the-art new library in the heart of the community.
This facility, previously home to the Thomastown sports hall, has been transformed into a major public asset with more than 700 square metres of community library space available over two floors.
The project's funding was overseen by Minister Dara Calleary (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht) and Kilkenny County Council, representing an investment of over €4.6 million.
The new 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 the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Cllr Joe Malone welcomed the addition of the new library.
"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," he said.
Cllr Deirdre Cullen, chairperson of Callan-Thomastown Municipal District, welcomed the incredible public response to the library and its services over the past few months that it's been open to the public, stating that "people have been coming in their droves" to avail of the remarkable suite of services available.
She also remarked that a similar facility in Callan would make a huge difference to the community there, and pressed Minister Calleary to engage with Kilkenny on achieving that aim in the future.
Minister Calleary commended Kilkenny County Council for their proactive approach to funding applications, and championed the local authority's readiness to proceed with and deliver projects.
A common theme from the speakers was that a modern library is no longer just a place where you go to borrow and/or return books but a vibrant community hub that provides so many resources and opportunities to the members of the local community.