Our Services
Computers and Internet
Free access to the Internet and other PC applications is currently available on over 150 PCs throughout our branch network. A recent upgrading of our hardware, software and furniture has resulted in a streamlined customer-focused service, with the newly-extended County Library now housing a large new IT suite comprised of over 100 Public Access PCs spread across the library.
Website and web-based services
The library may be closed, but our website is available all day every day. You can get up-to-date news and information about South Dublin Libraries and access to many of our services. These include searching the live catalogue, booking PCs, renewing loans, reserving books and access to the full online version of Encyclopaedia Britannica and other reference resources. You can also download copies of many of our recent local studies publications free of charge.
Also on our website is our Download Zone, which incorporates our award-winning Digital Books Service, where you can download books to read as well as a large and ever-growing selection of audio books and other media. These online services are supported by our full-time libraries, each of which has a dedicated download station. Our downloads are compatible with, among others, the ever-popular iPod range and the new Sony Reader.
Reference
No public library is ever complete without a Reference Section and vast stores of information are always available in the books and journals on our shelves. But now the complete up-to-date Encyclopaedia Britannicca and Credo Reference are also available on the Library Website. On our Library PCs, you can access the Irish Newspaper Archives back to 1763 and Ireland's Ordnance Survey Maps from 1837 - 1913, completely free of charge. For a much more detailed description of our online resources, please visit our online resources section.
Local Studies
South Dublin Libraries offer an extensive and growing range of Local Studies resources. Most of our collection is housed at the County Library where experienced, qualified staff can offer guidance to researchers of all ages and levels.
South Dublin County Local Studies resources are provided on this site as well as on www.southdublinimages.ie and on www.askaboutireland.ie.
Local, national and international queries are dealt with regularly by staff at the County Library.
Cultural and Educational Events
Almost 2,500 cultural and educational events for adults and children are provided throughout the year in our libraries. We hold regular classes in languages, computers, music and art appreciation and much, much more. Events range from lifestyle talks to book launches for adults, and from author visits to Hip-Hop for children.
Major festivals are held throughout the year in our libraries, include Seachtain na Gaeilge; Bealtaine; Fused, the Children's Book Festival and Reader’s Day. You can get more details of what takes place during these colourful and stimulating festivals in the brochures provided on our website and in our libraries.
Children's Services
All children are valued members of our community and we make them particularly welcome in our libraries. Junior sections are provided in every branch and they are furnished to encourage children to feel engaged and comfortable. Children can enjoy the same services as adults, including Internet access, but with a particular focus on their interests and needs.
A new Children's Zone website has been specially prepared for the young people of South Dublin County