One of the largest public library building projects in recent years, the €4 million redevelopment of Ballyroan library in south Dublin, is to be handed over to South Dublin County Council today.
The new building, which is almost double the size of the former library, incorporates a media centre allowing users access to online services – including newspaper archives and research facilities, as well as the ability to download ebooks.
In addition to providing computers, free wifi will be available to allow visitors use their own devices to access library and internet services. Ebooks can be withdrawn by members even when the building is closed.
Staff are expected to move in immediately and the new library will be fitted out over the coming weeks with services opening to the public early in the new year. In the interim, library services, which have been operating from the nearby Catholic Pastoral Centre, will move to Whitechurch library. There are two entrances to the library, one to the north accessed from Orchardstown Avenue, and one to the south, accessed through Orchardstown Villas.