MUCH has changed in the 25 years that the Dooradoyle library has been in existence but one thing that hasn’t changed is that people still love books.
It’s also 25 years since the first Harry Potter book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was published and the library is running a Harry Potter theme until the end of July as part of the celebrations.
The library was in the Crescent Shopping Centre for a long number of years prior to the move to their bespoke space in Dooradoyle.
Among the changes that Executive Librarian Margaret Griffin and the seven staff have noticed is the arrival into the library of the internet.
“It wasn’t here when we opened. The internet and the PCs came a few years later,” Margaret told the Limerick Post.
Other changes which the library has seen include “members being able to use a library card anywhere in the country, which is fantastic and makes ordering books much faster because we now have access to every library in the country.”
Also new is the facility for the 5,000 or so members to check their own books in and out, and a remote printing facility.
“That is very popular – people can send a document from their computer at home and have it printed out here. It was particularly popular during Covid,” Margaret said.
The library’s exhibition space, which is always in huge demand, has begun reopening following the last two years of restrictions.
“We host exhibitions of all kinds, not just painting. We host quite a few first-time exhibitions. The space is in demand. It’s free and hosting an exhibition in a private space can be very expensive,” Margaret added.
This year’s “Summer Stars National Reading Challenge” has already kicked off in all Limerick libraries. This programme encourages children to continue to read during the school holidays. Over 1500 children in Limerick City and County have already registered for this year.
The regular book club is back and other groups and sessions including book readings and talks are also coming back.
“But people still ask for recommendations about books and authors. That doesn’t change,” said Margaret.
The library opens from Tuesday through Saturday with late openings until 8pm on Thursday and Friday.
