‘Take a Closer Look’ at National Public Libraries Open Day

Clare Libraries will celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day 2025 on Saturday, September 27, with a range of free workshops, activities, and events.

In Ennistymon Library, the Harvesting Sustainability programme will take place with talks of beekeeping, honey and beeswax candle making, a clothes swap shop and foraging for foods.

In De Valera Library Ennis, Kilrush and Shannon libraries, bike repair workshops will be held. Tulla librarian Orla Healy, alongside Tulla Town Team and TFI, will travel with a group of older library members to the De Valera Library on the day, to experience the benefits of local travel and the library.

Additionally, the staff of Scarriff Library will be creating a book hunt, with the theme and goal to “find yourself in a world of books,” asking participants to search for books with rewards up for grabs.

Clare County Librarian, Helen Welsh, said, “At Clare Libraries we see every day how libraries are community spaces where people connect, form friendships, and feel part of something bigger. We’re proud to offer a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone in our community, from toddlers discovering story time to retirees joining book clubs, students preparing for exams, and jobseekers using our digital resources. Libraries help people feel less isolated and more empowered, whether through a quiet moment with a book or a lively community event. We warmly welcome everyone to visit us on Public Libraries Open Day and at any time to explore all that Clare Libraries has to offer.”

The nationwide campaign invites the public to ‘Take a Closer Look’ at the multitude of services libraries offer today for free. In addition to books, libraries offer audiobooks, online newspapers, e-magazines, e-learning courses, print services, events for all ages; and creative, study, and neurodiverse spaces. As places of entertainment, learning, and community support, libraries provide much more than just reading material.

Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency, Stuart Hamilton said, “Public libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs that support learning, creativity, wellbeing, and connection. Beyond books, they offer access to IT services, digital tools, creative spaces, and inclusive programmes such as Right to Read, Summer Stars, Family Time at the Library, Literacy for All, Skills for Life, and digital lending services. National Public Libraries Open Day is a chance to explore everything your local library has to offer. Whether you're looking to learn something new, connect with others, or simply discover what's available, libraries are welcoming spaces full of opportunity.”

Everyone is encouraged to join the national conversation using the hashtags #LibrariesOpenDay and #TakeACloserLook. For more information, visit www.clarelibraries.ie.