PICTURES: Carnegie Library in Kilkenny feted with special guest, Pauline McLynn

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The history and heritage of the city’s literary home was feted with a day of celebration.

With the City Library to be relocated to the old Mayfair Ballroom in the Abbey Quarter, the history of the Carnegie Library and its contribution to Kilkenny’s cultural life was marked in style.

The beautiful and historic library, which was officially opened to the public on November 3, 1910, was the spearheaded by the work of Andrew Carnegie.

Between 1897 and 1913, Carnegie pledged more than £170,000 to fund the building of 80 libraries in Ireland, including the Carnegie Library on John’s Quay.

Since its foundation as the city library in Kilkenny in 1910, the Carnegie Library has been a hub of activity in Kilkenny, host to many cultural events and a source of great memories for many Kilkenny families.

People from across the city attended a special ceremonial event on the library where they shared memories while enjoying some time in this historic building.

There was a day of story-telling with Liz Weir and music from guitarist Mark Anthony McGrath, who played songs from his new album Carolan.

The Library also hosted an afternoon theatre with a celebration of Patrick Kavanagh.

There was a talk on Andrew Carnegie by historian Dr Mary Muldowney, a short Carnegie reminiscence by Gerry Moran, and special guest appearance by Pauline McLynn.

“The Carnegie Library in Kilkenny City has made a great contribution to the cultural life of Kilkenny over the many years of its existence,” said County Librarian, Josephine Coyne.

“We look forward to a new era and the new Mayfair Library which will offer all the services and opportunities of a fully modern library service.”