New library building marks its first anniversary
CASTLETYMON Library in Tallaght is turning one-year-old next month, and the occasion is being marked with a collection of free events and activities in the library on Saturday, September 3.
The new library building officially opened in September 2021, after South Dublin County Council decided not to renew the lease for the library’s previous premises in Castletymon Shopping Centre.
The facility has now gone on to be a vital part of the Castletymon community, and the staff of the library are excited to celebrate the past year with the com-munity next weekend.
Sarah McHugh, senior librarian in Castletymon Library, told The Echo: “The library’s birthday party will feature live acrobats, music, storytelling, as well as arts and crafts from 12pm.
“We will have local community groups in the library to talk to people about the services they offer, and Mayor Emma Murphy will be at the library at 2pm.
“The day will finish with a trad session where everyone is welcome to come along and dance, sing and lift the roof off the library.
“No booking is required and events are open to all ages. All details are on the Castletymon Library Facebook page or contact the library by phone, email or simply call in.”
Ms McHugh highlighted the positive impact the library has had on the community, and encourages people who are not already registered to sign up for a free library card.
“I feel it’s important to mark this one-year milestone not just to celebrate with our borrowers but to also give people who aren’t yet library members the opportunity to come to Castletymon Library, sign up for a card and see everything the library service has to offer,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t realise that almost everything in the library is free – we have no fines anymore, all our events, classes, etc, are free of charge and public libraries are one of the few spaces we have in society where no one is expected to spend money when they walk through the doors.”
In line with this, all of the events next Saturday will be free and it will be a fitting celebration of the service being firmly rooted in the community.
“The first year of Castletymon Library involved a lot of hard work establishing the library’s place within the community and building a service that caters to the members of the public,” said Ms McHugh.
“We are constantly working to build on our existing services, and we love hearing from the public how we can improve and expand on programmes we currently offer.
“The past year has been a struggle for many communities, with the effects of Covid pandemic still being felt and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis leaving many with stress and uncertainty.
“During these difficult times libraries are particularly important – free spaces available to everyone, whether it is to attend a class, use a computer, join a club, borrow a book, or simply to sit down for an hour to read the paper in a warm, welcoming environment.
“It’s incredibly easy to join online, or pop down to the library where it just takes a couple of minutes to set you up with a card.
“If you’ve never been a member, or you haven’t been to the library in years, we are delighted to welcome you through the doors.”
In the past year, the library has held coding workshops for young people, language classes, music sessions, heritage walks, and computer classes.
Beginning next month, the library will be running a Creative Aging programme in the form of a series of fun and creative sessions aimed at older adults, and will continue their Trad in Tymon events.
“As a public library, we are here to provide information and resources to the community,” added Ms McHugh. “Whether it’s the use of free Wi-Fi and computers, help downloading government forms or signposting to council services, there is a great team in Castletymon Library who are working hard to serve the community.”
