“A community without a Library, is a
community without a soul” said Irish poet Desmond O’Grady. That was
rectified when a new library opened it's doors to the citizens of
Castlecomer on 23rd March, 1999. It was named after Tommy
Coogan, Chairman of the County Council from 1973 - 74 and a member of the
Kilkenny County Library committee from 1985 - 89. His personal commitment to
the provision of a library for the town was finally realised.
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The old Presentation Convent was
completely renovated at a cost of £325,000.
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The building has a floor space
of
approximately 3,000 sq. feet.
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The surrounding hinterland is well
served. Already over 2,000 people have become library members, from
Ballinakill to Ballyfoyle and Coon to Maudlin.
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Approximately 240 books are issued each
day.
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The stock consists of 17,000 volumes.
The new library is well laid out and every
taste is catered for, from the latest blockbusters, to the works of local
historians. This reflects both the need for such an amenity, and the
great thirst for information and literature in the area. It also stocks
magazines, tapes, CDs, educational videos and books on tape. The library
is a perfect focal point for information, education, recreation and culture in
the community. The latest innovation is access to the internet to search the
World Wide Web for information or to send and receive Email.
An important part of the service is the
encouragement of children in the use of the library and in developing and
extending their reading skills. A programme of events is designed to attract
children to use the facility. Events such as Art and Craft sessions,
Storytelling, Author Visits, Competitions and quizzes are organised. In
addition to lending books, other services available in the library include:
Free Exhibition Space, Local History, Genealogical Information, Education and
Career Information. The library also provides an adult literacy collection to
help adults with reading difficulties. A youth information service is planned
for the near future. In fact it could be called a One-stop-shop for all your
educational and recreational needs.
