Great programme of events in Kilkenny libraries for National Public Libraries Day 2024

Kilkenny County Council Library Service is one of over 300 libraries marking National Public Libraries Day 2024 on Saturday, September 28.

This initiative aims to highlight the vital role of public libraries in Irish society, raise awareness of the diverse services they offer and encourage people to become members.

To coincide with the day, the Take a Closer Look campaign is encouraging people to take a look at the wide-ranging free services open to them through their libraries. Over 784,000 people, equating to around one in six of the population, are members of the 330 libraries across Ireland, with membership free.

“National Public Libraries Open Day provides a unique opportunity to promote Library Services and celebrate their role in Irish life," said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael McCarthy.

"Ireland’s public libraries have a proud and long-standing history of being integral within our villages, towns and cities in supporting people on an individual and a collective, community basis. They also play a very important role in supporting people access services such as technology and educational supports to help them in their lives."

Programme of Events:

• Graignamanagh Library: Talk with food nutritionist Anna Phelan at 11am, exploring the food pyramid, practical advice on reading food labels, and busting common food myths. Drop-in craft activity for children, no booking required.
• Ferrybank Library: Coffee morning from 11am-12.30pm for “Memories of South Kilkenny.” Bring along photos of Ferrybank or South Kilkenny to help digitise and preserve the area’s history. Family LEGO and Boardgame morning from 10am-1pm. All welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Castlecomer Library:  Tales and reflections from 2004.  Folklore exhibition showcasing local stories and reflections from 2004, created by pupils from four local schools (Firoda N.S., Lisnafunchin N.S., Covent of Mercy N.S. Ballyragget and Presentation Convent N.S., Castlecomer). Call into the library to revisit life as it was in 2004! We are delighted that this project will be added to the Kilkenny Digital Archive so that it can be enjoyed by future generations to come. You can also view this online from September 27.  There will be a special Bee-Themed Storytime and craft for children from 11.30am-12.30pm.
• Mayfair Library: Showcase of Kanopy, a new streaming service for movies, TV series, and documentaries available exclusively to Kilkenny Library members.
• Thomastown Library: Sustainable STEM Workshop from 10-10.45am, creating a wind turbine using recycled materials and learn all about renewable energy. Suitable for children aged 8-12 years, booking required. Contact Thomastown Library at thomastown@kilkennylibrary.ie or 056 7794331. Storytime and crafts at 11.30am, open to all, no booking required.

• Callan Library: Children can enjoy Crafts, LEGO, and board games. Staff will be available to assist with membership and answer any questions.
• Urlingford Library: Creation Station for children with some spooky surprises. Drop in, no booking required.

“I would encourage everyone to check out their local library service in Kilkenny where we have a network of eight branch libraries, a mobile Library Service and a Local Studies Service" comments County Librarian Josephine Coyne. “The services we provide are expanding all the time and we would love to see more people using their local Library - one of the best free resources that they have on their doorstep” she added. 

For further information contact: info@kilkennylibrary.ie