No two days are ever the same at Cork County Library HQ

THERE was a time when the local library was a place to pop into to borrow a book, do a bit of study for exams, or just seek out a quiet space to get a bit of peace.

“I remember cringing going into the library to return the three books you were allowed to borrow for a fortnight,” says Anthony Diggins, from Midleton, who is an avid reader and a member of a book club.

“I was always terrified of being reprimanded for returning the books late and having to pay a fine. It was like being called into the headmaster’s office for a misdemeanour! You’d be worried that you’d be told off!”

Oh, how times have changed!

These days, the library is so much more than a facility to borrow and return books (and they won’t get angry if you return the books a little late either!)

It is also a trusted space integrated into the local community, which is accessible to all, supporting and facilitating education and skills development for both adults and children.

“The library is a friendly place where people can come to read, to learn, to research, or to just stop by to read the daily newspaper,” says Kieran Wyse, who is assistant librarian at Cork County Library in Carrigrohane, Cork.

And, of course, it’s a free service.

“The library is a free local service with a nationwide reach,” says Kieran, who works as senior library assistant in the department of Local Studies at the library.

He is well suited for the job.

“I graduated from UCC in English and History,” says Kieran, who lives in Glasheen. 

I suppose I’d be something of an academic.

“I’ve always had a fascination for local history. You could say that I am addicted to it! I am as enthusiastic as ever.

“My other interests are films, music, sport, and Irish politics.”

Kieran always loved the world of books.

“Having an interest always in books and in library services, I had various postings around the county in the mobile library and branch libraries since 1981, coming to work here in 1999.”

What was travelling around the county with the mobile library like back in the day?

“We’d travel to very remote places,” says Kieran. “I remember visiting homes around Cork county where elderly people often resided and they’d be delighted to choose their books, enjoying browsing for half an hour. And they’d always say that they loved meeting you.

The mobile library was like a social service and still is to this day. 

"People using the mobile library loved the chat and they’d look forward to our weekly/monthly visit.”

Now Kieran is on site. Who uses the services that the Department of Local Studies provides?

“You get people who are researching their local area,” he says.

“Somebody might be doing the family tree. Others want to know more about their locality. People have varied interests and hobbies; GAA clubs, Military history, the history of various establishments like the Distillery in Midleton or the history of old castles, the origins of old industries.

“In recent times, people have shown huge interest in place names, old towns and old trades that have died out.

“Many people returning to education use the library and we have school groups visiting regularly.”

Kieran is a fountain of knowledge.

They talk and I listen! People of all ages come into the library; young children and people who are retired.

He also advises.

“The Local Studies Department is a specialist department in the county library,” explains Kieran.

“Recent history and local history are of interest to lots of people. They might find a particular subject interesting like maritime history, old wrecks, old mills.

“Research is often done about obscure battles that happened in rural Ireland. The Troubles are always a popular research subject. There is a good spread across all areas.”

Kieran is approachable.

“Part of my job is answering requests about information on a wide range of topics, mainly local history, genealogy, and general queries.”

For instance?

“For instance, there was a man in the library the other day who wanted to look up a sports person who previously played soccer for Cork,” says Kieran.

“He asked me to help him track the man down and we found out the information in a provincial newspaper here in the library going by dates.”

There are a lot of reference tools for people to use.

“The county library is the main repository for local history materials,” says Kieran. 

“Including books, papers and maps. The archives and micro-film facilities are very user- friendly. 

Students who are doing school projects find all these materials and research tools very useful.

Kieran finds the library a very sociable place.

“You get to know the regular customers,” he says. “We always enjoy a little chat and some banter.

“You get to know people on a first-name basis, which is nice. We all have a good rapport with one another.”

Kieran and his regulars often swap their own stories.

“Often, people will tell you their own interesting stories,” says Kieran. “You get to hear a different story every day.”

So there is no need to delve into fiction or fantasy?

“Not really!” says Kieran laughing.

He also has a good rapport with his working colleagues Marie and Rory.

“We all get on well together,” says Kieran.

“We’re good old pals; we’ve never come to blows!

“We talk about the news of the day and current affairs, sport and movies. We keep our ears to the ground and discuss what’s going on in the library and what’s coming up.”

What typically comes up in the library?

“We host an annual exhibition every year regarding a historical event. We highlight historical anniversaries like the Ford factory centenary.

We focus on local social history events and people find these events very interesting and informative. And I love those events. There is always a great buzz around.

Kieran also creates podcasts for the Cork County Library.

What subjects does he discuss?

“The podcasts are very varied,” says Kieran, who has a lovely soothing voice for recording.

“One was about the history of Youghal bridges for example. Another was about traditional past Cork street children’s games.

“People like looking back at things from the past and the sense of nostalgia heightens their interest in particular subject that they listen to.”

Kieran enjoys his job.

“I’m still as enthusiastic as ever since the day I began,” he says.

What is it about his job that sustains him?

“The love of reading books helps,” says Kieran.

“I like advising people on what to choose. I read so many books and I tell people about them. I like reading biographies of actors and of course my passion is local history.

I do a lot of historical research myself. You’d be surprised what you might come across!

Kieran is not surprised that the library is a popular venue all over the country.

“There is a great bonhomie in the library. It wipes out the feeling of isolation. It lends itself to community cohesion.”

He says job satisfaction is massive.

“I love coming to work every day,” he says. “No two days are the same.”

No two stories are the same.

“That’s for sure!”

Cork County Library is open Monday-Friday, 9.am-5.30pm

Local Studies Services are open at the Carrigrohane Rd from 9.00am-5.30pm.