'A new chapter': County Mayor officially reopens island library in modern facility

An island library which has been at the heart of community life for more than four decades in the southern-most inhabited part of Ireland has been celebrating its official reopening.

Leabharlann Oileán Chléire, which has played a pivotal role in life on Cape Clear since it was founded in 1978, was officially reopened by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Joe Carroll and the chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell.

The library, which serves the island’s 120 people, was originally founded in 1978 in The Halla Glas, South Harbour, and relocated several times over the years before closing in August 2023.

Now, the library has reopened in a modern facility in North Harbour, as part of the Comharchumann Chléire Teo premises, alongside the island’s digital hub. 

Welcoming the new facility, Mr Carroll said it was just one example of Cork County Council’s commitment to supporting island communities.

“Libraries play an important role in bringing people together, fostering learning and preserving local culture,” he said.

“This is a new chapter for the island’s library, with many new opportunities for both residents and visitors to Oileán Chléire.”

Moira Murrell, chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, also welcomed the new development.

“This library is not just for books, it’s a community hub that will help foster social and educational development in Oileán Chléire,” Ms Murrell said.

The newly refurbished library offers Starlink satellite connectivity, ensuring access to library services, PC, printing and wifi in the same way as all other Cork County Council library locations.

In addition to its use as a library, the facility also acts as a small meeting space for events.

Leabharlann Oilieán Chléire will be open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 4.30 and Thursday from 11am to 1.30pm.

It will be closed on the Saturday of Bank Holiday weekends.