Library is heart of the community
The Kilcullen Community Library was built in 1925 as the Boys School, but became available to the Kildare Library and Arts Service when Scoil Bhride was opened in 1980. Julie O'Donoghue has been Kilcullen's Librarian for almost 40 years and moved into the current building following its refurbishment as a Library. Today it serves a population in the region of 3,000.
The Library is also an important part of Kilcullen town because it plays host to many important events that happen in the town. An example would be in 2014 when it was the focus of a 'Local Sporting Heroes’ Memory Evening. Parent and Toddler mornings are also in the Library on Tuesday. Support and information lectures for parents are often held there.
Many campaigns are run through Kildare libraries like 'Let’s talk about Parenting' and 'Healthy Ireland at your Library'. Kildare libraries also offer courses through their libraries like 'TTT' (Toys, Technology and Training) with free talks and workshops. The Library plays a key role in our town's community services, so why not inquire about them the next time you’re in visiting?
Nowadays the Library also has a huge online presence with borrowers not even needing to come in to get a book. They can borrow books online and download them to their phone, iPad, Kindle or eBook and return the books when they're done, all simply by downloading the app 'Borrow Box' and creating an account.
Our local Library plays a key role in both our children’s imagination and their education. Books allow children to get 'lost in the story' and the adventure the book takes them on helps their imagination to grow. With Ireland's children now having the best reading skills in Europe, and ranking fourth in world, our local libraries are doing a very important job.
Julie herself loves her job, and who could blame her — to be surrounded by books all day. She became the town’s Librarian in 1978 after seeing an advert for the job in a local newspaper and has loved it ever since. Over the years the job has helped her to get to know the Kilcullen community better, has allowed her to develop relationships with Library members and understand their taste in reading. By getting to know each person she is able to keep books in mind for them the next time they come in to borrow.
Our local Library has been at the heart of our town for a long time and with its services always improving it is important that we support it. A special thanks is also in order for Julie for all her hard work and dedication to our community for the past 40 years.
(ED NOTE: Chloe O'Connell is a TY student in CPC who did her work experience week with the Kilcullen Diary.)
