Naas, Friday 13th June 2025
Kildare County Council has officially launched its brand-new five-year development plan for libraries, Building for Tomorrow – Kildare Library Service Plan 2025-2029. The plan was unveiled at Naas Library & Cultural Centre by Cathaoirleach Councillor Kevin Duffy and County Librarian Gillian Allen.
This ambitious roadmap lays out a fresh and dynamic vision for the future of public libraries across Kildare, aiming to make them more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable than ever before.
What’s in the Plan?
Developed through extensive public consultation and inspired by national strategies like The Library is the Place (2023), the plan responds to the needs of Kildare’s growing and diverse population. Over the next five years, the focus will be on seven key areas:
- Enlivening Content – expanding reading initiatives and building inclusive, responsive collections
- Reaching Out – engaging with new communities and giving young people a stronger voice
- Stories and Placemaking – celebrating local culture and heritage in meaningful ways
- Real Place / Digital World – enhancing online library services while creating greener, more welcoming spaces
- Enabling the Team – supporting staff through professional development and leadership opportunities
- Capital Developments – including new library buildings for Clane and Newbridge
- Sustaining Our Planet – embedding climate-conscious design and sustainable practices in all we do
Why It Matters?
Speaking ahead of the launch, Cathaoirleach 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. Building for Tomorrow is an ambitious, forward-looking strategy that seeks to improve access, visibility, and the quality of public libraries as essential community services.”
County Librarian Gillian Allen highlighted the community-driven nature of the plan:
“Through 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.”
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