President Catherine Connolly visits Thomastown Library in Kilkenny

President Catherine Connolly was in Kilkenny on Tuesday, where she visited the newly opened Thomastown Library and was welcomed Kilkenny County Council Library Service.

The presidential visit marked a very special occasion, highlighting the vital role public libraries play in supporting literacy, learning, culture and community engagement. During her visit, President Connolly met with local elected officials, library staff, visitors including members of the Thomastown community – Thomastown Scouts, Thomastown Knitters Group and Thomastown Men’s Shed.

She was brought on a tour of the library by County Librarian Josephine Coyne and Executive Librarian Johanna Brennan, where she learned more about the range of services, programmes and initiatives available for everyone in the library.

The visit was particularly significant for County Kilkenny, providing an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of public libraries to community life through their collections, digital resources, literacy initiatives, educational programmes and cultural events.

“I was delighted to welcome President Catherine Connolly to Thomastown Library,” said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Joe Malone.

“The library's success, with over 24,000 visitors and 2,100 members since opening in May, reflects the strong support it enjoys within our community. Her visit is a meaningful acknowledgement of the important role libraries play in bringing people together supporting lifelong learning, innovation and creativity.”

Kilkenny County Council would like to thank President Connolly for taking the time to visit Thomastown library and for her continued support of libraries, reading, culture and lifelong learning throughout Ireland. President Connolly was presented with a Cushendale limited-edition throw made from the wool from Irelands only native breed of sheep from Galway.