Louth County Council are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Dundalk Library at Roden Place throughout March and April, with a number of events for all ages.
These include a special anniversary edition of the ever-popular table quiz for older adults, ‘Storytime’ sessions for children and the main event held on April 11th, a panel talk celebrating 30 years of the library service in Roden Place.
Dundalk Library has a unique history, it was the first local authority public library in Ireland, opening in 1858. The library subsequently expanded and moved to the former Grammer School in Chapel Street.
In 1934 the Louth County Library service was established (under the Local Government Act of 1925) and the Dundalk Free Library became the centre of the county wide service.
In March 1994, after more than 90 years in Chapel Street, the County Library headquarters moved into the newly renovated Distillery Buildings in Roden Place.
Reflections on the last four decades were shared at the panel talk event, chaired by Frank O’Callaghan of the Old Dundalk Society. Speakers on the night included former County Librarian Ann Ward who led the move from the old Chapel Street Library to the new building in 1994.
Current Acting County Librarian Amanda Branigan spoke about the evolution of the library service over the last 30 years. Long term borrowers Mark Corcoran, Brendan & Mary McQuaid spoke about what the library means to them, and the contribution it has made to their lives. Isabell Murphy, one of only three staff who worked in both Chapel St and Roden Place spoke about the reference and local history library.
“It was a wonderful evening with contributions from the audience including retired staff, current staff, and long serving borrowers. Memories were exchanged, stories and anecdotes laughed about, and absent friends remembered,” said Acting County Librarian, Amanda Branigan.
She added: “Over the past 30 years Irish society has seen many changes in terms of population growth and advancements in technology, leading to a more vibrant and culturally diverse society. Louth Library Service has embraced these changes with Dundalk Library expanding and adapting the wonderful building in Roden Place to suit the growing needs of the community,”
“Dundalk Library will continue to strengthen and support communities by providing dynamic, inclusive, and responsive library services over the next 30 years and beyond.”
Ends.
CLANRYE NEWS 