Nearly 90,000 visitors come to the new Naas library

There have been almost 90,000 visitors to the Naas Library and Cultural Centre which was developed at a cost of some €6m in the town hall building.

The January 19 opening follows a three year, conservation, renovation and construction programme managed by Kildare County Council and the new facility provided a modern cutting-edge library service.

But it also reinstates the historic building as a prominent focal point within the community. 

KCC says it “will be a sustainable driver of heritage, cultural and amenity pursuits in a welcoming and attractive space at the heart of the town.”

The premises has become a popular venue for book launches, story-times and lectures and some of the highlights include a visit from 2024 Booker prize winner Paul Lynch; a book launch by local historian James Durney; a lunch time performance by the Past Times Community Choir and some  Heritage Week lectures.

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Local schools have undertaken numerous class visits to the library for tours and story times by library staff. 

The study hub has been a resource for students using the new booking system to manage their study week. Staff have also provided 3D printing and laser cutting workshops in the “makerspace" and an extensive makerspace programme is underway for children, teenagers and adults this winter.

Cruinniú na nÓg was celebrated in the outdoor courtyard in June and over 300 Kildare teenagers attended a free youth bands concert, with art pop-ups and food.

The national summer stars reading adventure which is part of the Right to Read literacy initiative was a huge success this year. Over 1,100 children participated in the programme and in the associated workshops. 

The project was part funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of Project Ireland 2040, with an initial €4.4 million allocation contributing towards the design, construction and fit-out of the library. The rest of the funding was provided by KCC.

It occupies 1,275.3 sqm of indoor space and 770 sqm of outdoor public space. The outdoor area includes a market space, an outdoor workshop area, an amphitheatre and a public garden, which will provide an oasis for people to connect and engage.

There is also a gallery space for art and cultural exhibitions.