Kildare County Council Unveils Ambitious Library Development Plan: "Building for Tomorrow"

Saturday, 14 June 2025 09:47

By Emma O'Connor

The launch was officiated by the Cathaoirleach of County Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy, alongside County Librarian Gillian Allen, at the state-of-the-art Naas Library & Cultural Centre.

Kildare County Council is proud to announce the official launch of Building for Tomorrow Kildare Library Service Plan 2025–2029, a visionary roadmap for the future of library services in the county.

The launch was officiated by the Cathaoirleach of County Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy, alongside County Librarian Gillian Allen, at the state-of-the-art Naas Library & Cultural Centre.

This five-year plan sets out a transformative agenda for Kildare’s libraries, positioning them as inclusive, innovative, and sustainable community hubs.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy said; “Kildare public libraries are not just places to borrow books; They are vibrant community hubs that foster learning, creativity, and connection."

The plan outlines seven key development areas, including:

Enlivening Content through reading initiatives and inclusive collections

Reaching out to new communities and voice of the youth

Stories and Placemaking to celebrate heritage and culture

Real Place / Digital World with enhanced library eServices and green spaces

Enabling the Team through professional development

Capital Developments including new libraries in Clane and Newbridge

Sustaining Our Planet with climate-conscious design and programming

Gillian Allen, County Librarian, highlighted the community-driven nature of the plan; “By design thinking and deep consultation, we’ve listened to our communities, especially those we haven’t reached before. This plan is about making our libraries places where everyone feels welcome, valued, and inspired. From new buildings to digital innovation and sustainability, we are building a brighter future for Kildare”.

The plan also celebrates recent achievements, including the opening of the award-winning Naas Library & Cultural Centre in 2024, and outlines future projects such as the redevelopment of Celbridge Library and a new mobile library powered by sustainable energy.