Local Libraries in the Dublin Docklands

Dublin Libraries

Libraries are wonderful places to learn and gather information, find new reads, meet new people and more. If you’re looking for a good library, Dublin is rich with libraries and they’re busy places filled with wonderful books and more.

Facts about Dublin Libraries

Dublin offers a broad network of libraries; in fact, you’ll find over 20 libraries at locations throughout the city. Not only that, but the city’s libraries also hold special events around the year, including lectures, shows, workshops for children and adults.

The city’s libraries are free to anyone; this means there are no costs involved with accessing the library or and it doesn’t cost anything to join. The only cost that you could incur is a €0.50 penalty for late returns, but with four weeks to read a book, you shouldn’t have trouble with late returns.

Library Services

Each Dublin library offers a wide variety of services including:

Book reservation:

The library uses a communal catalog, meaning that if a title you would like to read is located at another Dublin library, you can reserve it at your local library. Just ask the librarian to order (reserve) it for you and you’ll be notified when the book is in.

Internet access:

Each library offers free broadband and WiFi Internet access, and they have PCs available for you in case you don’t have your own device. If you’d like to use one of the library’s PCs, it will be necessary to reserve access a head of time. Most of the time, you can access the PC for about 30 minutes. If you have your own laptop or other device, check with your librarian on how to connect to the offered Internet service. If you can't take another cup of coffee, but you need somewhere to sit for an hour to get your work done then its the perfect place to do it. And it’s free!

Online search for books:

It’s easy to find books you’d like to read. Simply search the library system online and see which library has the title you’d like. You’ll also be able to see if the book is currently available or out on loan. You can even reserve a book directly from your own device. Reservations are €0.50.

If the title’s not in, it can be sent to your library when it is available. When searching for books on the library system, you can search by title, keywords, ISBN number, author’s name and more. In order to reserve a book online, you’ll need a valid library card and PIN.

Mobile library:

The library system also offers a mobile library van, making it easier than ever to find a great read. The van makes weekly rounds and even offers Internet access. You can also order books and they’ll be brought to you by the van when available. The van runs all year, except in August.

The van visits East Wall from 2.15pm - 3.15pm each Thursday. The stop is outside the Sean O'Casey Community Centre on St. Mary's Road.

You can find a listing of all of Dublin’s city libraries on the Dublin City Council’s site. You can also find the mobile library van schedule and stops on this site.

Each library offers more than books, too! In fact, you’ll have access to an entire realm of media—everything from movies and magazines, to the DVDs and audio-books. You can even find e-books at the Dublin libraries! In addition, the library system offers book clubs, computer and Internet access. These services are available to everyone—the library provides equal and accessible services to all people.

For more information on Dublin’s libraries, you can visit this website.

Let’s take a look a three Docklands based libraries, what they offer and upcoming events for you and your family!

Charleville Mall Library

This library is located in the Central Area, on North Strand. It’s easy to contact the library—just call +353 1 8479619 or email charlevillemalllibrary@dublincity.ie (yes, that’s a lot of l’s—just copy and paste, then you won’t have to worry about typing all those l’s!).

This Dublin library is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The library is closed on Sundays and public holidays including Christmas, Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. If there is a bank holiday, then libraries close the preceding Saturday.

You’ll be happy to know this library is wheelchair accessible and includes induction loop system for use with hearing aids.

You’ll find the following services at this library:

• Printing/scanning service
  
• Photocopying (color/black and white)
  
• A range of electronic resources such as access to niche databases and subscriptions.
• Free broadband and WiFi
  
• Lecture room
  
• Application forms for motor tax, passport and more.
  
• Community information
  
• Adult art group
  
• Events: exhibitions, lectures, workshops and demonstrations
  
• Easy reads section
  
• Audio books for adults and kids (provided on CD and MP3)
  
• Children’s activities and class visits
  
• Special Collection—Local History Files
  

In August Charleville Mall Library hosted an exhibition about local politician and activist Tony Gregory. Current/upcoming events at the Charleville Mall Library include the Art Group which takes place every Monday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Dates and times sometimes vary, so check ahead with the library to make sure this event is still on.

Pearse Street Library

The Pearse Street Library is located at 138-144 Pearse Street, in the South East Area. You can contact this library by calling +353 1 6744888 or by email: pearsestreetlibrary@dublincity.ie.

This library’s opening hours are:

• Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 8:00pm
  
• Friday and Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
  

The library is closed on Sundays and certain public and bank holidays including Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. It’s a good idea to check with the library for specific information about closures.

You’ll be happy to learn that this library is also wheelchair accessible via the reception at Erne Terrance front and they offer an induction loop system for use with hearing aids.

The Pearse Street Library offers the following services:

• Self-service kiosks
  
• Free broadband and WiFi
  
• Electronic Resources
  
• Self-service printing and scanning
  
• Photocopying (color or black and white)
  
• Libre Office Suite is available for use
  
• 3 computers in the Children’s Library
  
• Daily newspapers
  
• A reading area
  
• Application forms for passports, etc.
  
• Community information
  
• History group
  
• Adult book club
  
• Film club
  
• Events: exhibitions, lectures, workshops and demonstrations
  
• Language exchange
  
• Children’s activities, class visits and storytelling
  
• Toddler group
  
• GRD Gear Library
  

Current and upcoming events include the following:

Spanish Film Club – Film Screening: Un dia vi 10000 elefantes (One Day I Saw 10000 Elephants)

• Date & time: Wednesday, September 18th at 5:30pm
  
• This club shows a selection of Spanish language films on the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm, with films in Spanish, with English subtitles.
  

The Classic Film Club: Screenings take place on either the second or third Wednesday of each month at 2:00pm.

Note: admission to film screenings is always free!

Culture Night:

• Date & time: Friday September 20th, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
  
• Instrument Carousel: teenagers have the opportunity to play the instrument of their choice! Learn how to play the guitar, the drums, or whatever you’d like. Participants will be assisted by coaches from GRD, and will have the opportunity to try different instruments including electric guitars, basses, syths and more. Each person will learn a song on each instrument, and then come together as a group to play the song at the end of the session. Places are limited, so booking ahead is required.
  

Toddler Group:

Bring your toddler to hear stories and more. Spots are limited, so be sure to book in advance.

• Date & time: the group meets every Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am, and every Friday from 10:30am to 11:30am.
  

Conversation Exchange:

Come and practice your language skills with native speakers through conversation. You’ll not only get to learn about the culture of that country, but you’ll also make some new friends.

Date & time:

• Spanish-English: on most Saturdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm
  
• Italian-English: on most Saturdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
  
• Portuguese for Beginners: on most Saturdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
  

Writers Group:

Like to write or would you like to learn to write? Come to the library’s Writer’s Group, where you can learn to write fiction, poetry and more. This group meets informally to discuss their writing, improve their skills and more.

• Date & time: meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 6:00pm to 7:45pm. Please note that this group does not meet in July or August.
  

Book Clubs:

Love books? Then come together with others to discuss your favorites—fiction or non-fiction. The setting is friendly and informal.

• Morning Book Club: meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30am
  
• Book Buzz Book Club: meets the second Monday of each month from 7:00pm to 8:00pm (new members are always welcome!)
  

Storytelling & Songs:

This is a great activity for kids that takes place on a regular basis.

Date & time:

• Every Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am (space is limited—please book in advance)
  
• Every Friday from 10:30am to 11:30am (no need to book in advance, but spots are limited)
  

Ringsend Library

The Ringsend Library is located on Fitzwilliam Street, in the South East Area. You can contact them by calling +353 1 6680083 or emailing the library at ringsendlibrary@dublincity.ie.

Opening hours are from:

• Monday, Wednesday 12:45pm to 4:00pm, and 4:45pm to 8:00pm
  
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10:00am to 1:00pm, and 2:00pm to 5:00pm
  

The library is closed on Sundays and certain public and bank holidays including Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. It’s a good idea to check with the library for specific information about closures.

This library is wheelchair accessible and includes an induction loop system for use with hearing aids.

The Ringsend Library offers the following services:

• Printing/scanning service
  
• Photocopying (color/black and white)
  
• Electronic Resources
  
• Free broadband and WiFi
  
• Lecture room
  
• Application forms for motor tax, passport and more.
  
• Community information
  
• Adult art group
  
• Events: exhibitions, lectures, workshops and demonstrations
  
• Easy reads section
  
• Audio books for adults and kids (provided on CD and MP3)
  
• Children’s activities and class visits
  
• Special Collection—Maritime Books
  

Ringsend Library have regular book club meetups. You can check this web-page for events at this and other libraries: http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-recreation-culture-dublin-city-public-libraries/calendar-libraries.

As you can see, the Dublin library system has so much to offer—and it’s all for free! Be sure to check out these great libraries or a library near you. You’ll be missing out if you don’t!