Campaign launched for ‘world-class’ city library

A new community group has been set up to campaign for the development of an enhanced library in Cork city.

The Cork City Library Action Group was formally established last Saturday at a meeting in South Parish Community Centre.

In 2021, Cork City Council announced that funding of €46.05m from the Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for the Grand Parade Quarter would help regenerate the area, including developing a new 7,700sq m city library.

However, there has been increasing criticism regarding the slow progress on the project.

At last Monday’s council meeting, a spokesperson said the commitment to providing a new city library of scale and substance “is one that is a priority for Cork City Council”.

“Work is ongoing to make this happen, and further updates will be provided as this matter progresses.”

Colette Kelleher, who chaired Saturday's meeting, said: “The people of Cork city need and deserve a state-of-the-art public library befitting a modern European city.

“The new library is a major civic project and a historic opportunity to build for the generations. 

"It should be at the heart of all Cork city plans and developments.”

Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice, who helped organise Saturday’s meeting, said the group is campaigning for Cork to have a “world-class library on a large scale”.

“Cork City Library has great staff and services, but the current building isn’t fit for purpose,” said Mr Rice.

“There is so much potential for a bigger library in the city centre. A three-story building could provide a new space for people to gather. More space to study, learn, and relax. More space for children, teenagers, and older adults. More space for events, cultural activities, and classes.

“More space for a Library of Things where you can borrow things like musical instruments, toys, and tools, as well as books. There is also potential for a roof garden — key for a city that is lacking green spaces.

“We are determined to see this vision become a reality.”

Former lord mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, who also attended the meeting, said: “As we approach the 100th anniversary of the building of the City Library, Cork City Council should be encouraging a conversation with the people of the city on the type of flagship library we could have for the coming century.”