Providing a space in the library

There are 353 public libraries and 29 mobile libraries serving children and young people across the Republic of Ireland. This is without taking into account library services available through schools.

With over 15 million visits per year, public library services value greatly the needs and interests of their users, and aim to focus on their young clients as the readers of today and tomorrow.

The public library service offers a welcoming and safe space. Most new libraries built in the past decades have a designated area for young people designed to meet their needs with colourful seating such as beanbags and sofas, and access to books, music collections, Internet PCs and new media.

We have included some examples of spaces already dedicated to young people in public libraries in this section but you might like to browse thePublic Library Buildings Database for further ideas.

The library at An Chomhairle Leabharlanna stocks reference material on planning and designing young people spaces in libraries.  Check the latest acquisitions and contact Alun Bevan to borrow this material.