New Chapter Begins as Stillorgan Library Opens Its Doors

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, today officially opened the new Stillorgan Library, marking a significant milestone for one of the county’s busiest and most valued public library services. The modern two-storey facility provides enhanced spaces for reading, learning, creativity, study, and community engagement, while establishing a vibrant new community hub at the heart of Stillorgan. The new library represents a major investment in cultural and educational infrastructure and will serve residents across Stillorgan and the wider area for generations to come.

Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:

"Today marks a proud day for Stillorgan and for communities across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. This new library is far more than a building, it is an investment in people, opportunity and community. It will be a place where children discover a love of reading, where students can learn and thrive, where creativity is nurtured and where people of all ages can come together. As one of the county's busiest libraries, Stillorgan deserves a facility of this quality and ambition. This outstanding new civic space reflects our commitment to creating vibrant, connected communities and will serve residents for generations to come. As a local resident, I grew up using the original prefabricated library, and years later, my own children enjoyed that same library too. I'm delighted that this new modern Library at the heart of Stillorgan will once again be a hive of activity, imagination and creativity for people of all ages ".

Located at St Laurence's Park, the new purpose-built library replaces the former prefabricated library that served the community since the 1970s. The modern two-storey facility of more than 1,000 square metres represents a major investment in learning, culture, technology and community life in Stillorgan and the surrounding areas. The new building effectively doubles the size of the previous library and provides enhanced facilities including flexible study spaces, meeting rooms, public computers, technology services, exhibition areas and an outdoor courtyard. It is also planned as a My Open Library facility, significantly extending access for members. 

Stillorgan Library has long been one of the county's most heavily used branches, attracting more than 100,000 visits annually and serving a wide catchment area including Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, Kilmacud, Leopardstown and neighbouring communities. When the original building closed in October 2021, library services relocated temporarily to Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre while construction of the new permanent facility progressed. 

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added:

"Libraries continue to evolve as centres of learning, innovation, culture and community connection, and this facility has been designed to meet those needs for decades ahead. With expanded learning spaces, enhanced technology, flexible community facilities, and future My Open Library access, this building will transform how people engage with library services. It is a flagship public investment that will enrich lives, strengthen the community, and support the continued growth and regeneration of Stillorgan.

I would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the Department of Rural and Community Development for its financial support through the Libraries Capital Programme. Their investment has helped make this outstanding facility possible and demonstrates the importance of continued support for public libraries as vital community assets. Together, we have delivered a modern, welcoming, and accessible library that will benefit residents of Stillorgan and the wider Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area for generations to come”.

The official opening follows years of planning and investment. Funding support of €2.5 million was provided through successive Department library capital programmes, while the project formed a key part of the Council's long-term vision for the regeneration of St Laurence's Park. 

The new library has been designed as a welcoming community hub that will support reading, lifelong learning, creativity, and social connection for generations to come. With improved accessibility, dedicated meeting spaces, enhanced technology provision and extended opening hours, it will enable an expanded programme of educational, cultural and community activities while supporting the continued growth of Stillorgan as a vibrant district centre. 

The project also forms part of the wider regeneration of St Laurence's Park, which includes the delivery of 88 social and affordable homes and significant public realm improvements. Positioned closer to the Lower Kilmacud Road and N11 junction, the library creates a strong civic presence, improved connectivity to public transport and active travel routes, and a focal point for community life in the area. 

The project was delivered with the support of funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Libraries Capital Programme. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council wishes to acknowledge and thank the Department for its significant contribution, which helped make this transformational investment in library services and community infrastructure possible.

Stillorgan Library joins a network of nine public libraries across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, providing residents with access to learning, culture, technology and community services through one of Ireland’s most comprehensive public library networks. Stillorgan Library will be open to the public from Thursday 1 October.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Buttimer said:

“I am delighted to attend the opening of the new Stillorgan Library today. This new facility is a wonderful example of national and local government working together to deliver a modern, accessible and welcoming space for the people of Stillorgan. 

The new library provides substantially more space than the former facility with dedicated areas for study, meetings, learning, community activities, digital learning and cultural events. 

It has been designed to meet the needs of the community and will provide even greater flexibility for library users when the My Open Library service is introduced, extending access from 51 hours to 98 hours each week”.

This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to developing public libraries as vibrant community spaces where people of all ages can connect, learn and participate”.

Minister Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, added:

“I want to send my warmest congratulations to all involved in the project; it is great to see this significant investment in library infrastructure delivered for the local community.

Our public libraries are welcoming spaces where people of all ages can read, learn, connect and participate in their communities. The new Stillorgan Library will provide a modern and accessible facility with a wide range of services and facilities for the people of Stillorgan and the surrounding area.

The My Open Library service, when introduced, will also provide greater flexibility for people to use this important community resource at a time that suits them. This investment reflects the ambition of our national library strategy, The Library is the Place, to develop our libraries as inclusive, modern and digitally connected community spaces”.