Celebrate half a century of Ballymun Library with special events this October

As Ballymun Library marks its 50th anniversary this October, the long-running community space is celebrating half a century of service with a series of special events

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 16:09, 08 Oct 2026 View 2 Images Lord Mayor of Dublin Jim Mitchell launching Ballymun Library in 1976 (Image: Dublin City Council)

Dublin City Council Libraries is celebrating 50 years of Ballymun Library with exhibitions, talks, and workshops.

Ballymun Library officially opened on Wednesday, October 13, 1976 and, at the time, was celebrated as the largest and best-equipped library in the city , with an initial stock of 35,000 books. Since then, its offerings have only grown and it remains a community hub serving not just Ballymun but also Glasnevin, Santry, Whitehall and beyond.

The stylish new library was built by Kenneally and O’Keeffe building contractors over 12 months at a cost of £150,000 and included a ‘reading development’ section offering books to those with literacy difficulties. Spearheading innovation, the library introduced as selection of music cassettes that could be borrowed the same way as books.

Ballymun Library saw its fair share of famous faces walk through it's doors over the years, with Dublin author Roddy Doyle visiting in 1994 to give a reading of his works in his first public appearance since the screening of his controversial Family miniseries. As a raw depiction of a working-class Dublin family, the RTÉ and BBC co-production addressed issues of domestic abuse in a way rarely seen on television at the time.

When the Ballymun won the national Glór na nGael trophy in 1979. President Patrick Hillery visited the library before presenting the award at a ceremony in Ballymun Shopping Centre. This prize is awarded to the town or village that has done the most to promote the Irish language.

View 2 Images Ballymun Library through the years (Image: Dublin City Council)

Book clubs have been central to Ballymun Library over the years, with the Evening Reading Group, Murder Book Club and Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Club remaining active. Many famous authors also give talks at the library, with Patricia Scanlan and Pádraig Kenny even standing out as former staff members.

Over the past half a century, Ballymun Library has moved with the times to include an online national catalogue, self-service kiosks, public access computers, laptop lending for in branch use, lending of computer games and access to free WiFi. Visitors can also enjoy eResources available through BorrowBox.

The interior has also been upgraded in recent years to become more comfortable and welcoming. Modern additions include new shelving, study spaces, casual seating and furniture, age friendly seating and even a teen snug in the junior library.

The community is invited to attend several 50th anniversary events this October. Lord Mayor Daryl Barron invites people to come and celebrate 50 Years of Ballymun Library on Saturday 17th October from 2pm-4pm. With cake, entertainment, and family friendly fun, this is just one of many events honouring this special milestone.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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