Public Libraries in Ireland

Fast Facts and Figures

Library Authorities in Ireland
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has responsibility at central level and provides grants for new public library developments.
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna advises the Department and the Library Authorities on public library development and on library co-operation.

Library Services

Local Authorities will spend an estimated €143 million on library services in 2010.
Public Library services will spend an estimated €10 million on stock in 2009, an average of €2.37per capita.
There are over 14 million visits to Irish public libraries annually.
Public Libraries in Ireland are run by 32 separate library services:
- 4 services are run by City Councils;
- 27 are run by County Councils;
- and 1 (in Tipperary, where there are 2 County Councils) is a joint libraries committee.
There are 352 branch libraries in the Country and 31.5* mobile libraries (*.5 relates to a shared cross-border service)
Public library services are also available to hospitals, schools, prisons, day care centres, parish halls and other community service points.
Mobile libraries serve neighbourhood housing, rural areas and areas of small population.
You will find up-to-date contact details for your local library on Library.ie

The public library service is the largest information and cultural infrastructure in Ireland. See our Overview of Public Library Services for more information.

IN THIS SECTION: