Designer makeovers open new chapters for libraries

Eve Kelliher finds out how libraries are appealing to a whole new generation as two win architectural 'Public Choice' awards

Fri, 28 Jun, 2024 - 19:05

Home Editor Eve Kelliher

Build it and they will come — to paraphrase Kevin Costner’s character in Field of Dreams. From baseball to books, libraries are not just about reading, they are places to connect.

What’s more, it transpired this week that two out of three of Ireland’s favourite public spaces are libraries.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) revealed the results of its Public Choice awards on Friday, June 21, its annual quest to find and honour Ireland’s favourite building or public space.

Castleblayney Library and Market Square Regeneration. Picture: Richard Hatch

The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, Dublin, by Stephen Foley Architects and CAMPUS, topped the poll. But close behind were the runners-up, two libraries, Kinsale Library by Cork County Council Architects’ Department, and Castleblayney Library and Market Square Regeneration by Craftstudio Architecture with Gaffney and Cullivan Architects.

Architect William (Billy) Smyth designed Kinsale Library for Cork County Council.

The library also won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland award the same day for conservation, adaptation and reuse — described by the jury as “an inspiring example of how vacant buildings in our towns can be transformed into vibrant community amenities”.

Emer O’Brien, county librarian at Cork County Council, says the innovative design has offered staff and users alike “a space that exceeds our service requirements”. “The outstanding design affords staff the ability to provide the highest level of service, which has been reflected in usage levels,” she says.

Kinsale Library before work. Picture: William Smyth

The building, a former grain store, opened as a library in August 2023, and was officially launched in December.

In the first four months it welcomed 52,722 people, of which 2,239 attended events. “Study spaces incorporated into the mezzanine design and two event options including the intriguing lobby has transformed the level of service we can now provide in Kinsale,” says Ms O’Brien.

Interior of Kinsale Library. Picture: Jed Niezgoda

The design offers ample storage for books thanks to the wall spaces between the wooden structures, she adds. “Kinsale Library is a beautiful building both inside and outside,” says the county librarian.

“The use of materials, light and space has created a very special atmosphere, enabling library users of all ages and needs to use the space harmoniously.”

For an online generation that we might associate with the “loneliness epidemic”, could libraries be regarded as a social space? Ms O’Brien agrees.

The amped-up zone is a major hit with younger users. “Teenagers adore it,” says the county librarian. “They love coming in just to hang out.

“In fact, across all our libraries we are seeing a huge amount of studying going on — because people can, as they are wearing headphones.” The notion of library as “hangout area” really does appeal to Generation Z and beyond, she finds: “Obviously something is attracting people to libraries are they are arriving to study and do things they could be doing at home — whether it’s people working from home, popping in for a coffee or to do and hour’s work there for a change of scenery.”

View of the southeast corner at the commencement of works.

Kinsale Library’s transformation could not be more dramatic. “We moved from a one-room, one person building to a-three-floor library with 25,000 stock items, exhibition space and meeting space,” she says.

Kinsale Library, after. Picture: Jed Niezgoda

Expansion means “a range of activities have sprung up — from ukulele groups to book clu8181bs”, according to the county librarian. Library membership has almost quadrupled, from an original 1000 to just under 4,000 and visitors numbers have soared across all ages, and among locals and tourists. “In 2023, we had 61,500 visitors since the August opening, and roughly around 40,000 book checkouts, which was a huge increase,” says Ms O’Brien.

Interiors of Kinsale Library. Picture: Jed Niezgoda

Later this year Kinsale will offer the My Open Library self-service unstaffed facility, until 10pm. The library will be a key landmark in Kinsale “for many decades to come”, she adds.

Roll of honour

THE RIAI Public Choice Awards 2024 received a record 20,000 votes online by the general public between June 5 and June 19 — proof if it were needed that we’re more in tune than ever with our surroundings.

Castleblayney Library. Picture: Richard Hatch

The ballot sheet of 42 candidates included nine houses (new build and old), public housing projects by local authorities, workplaces, libraries, a distillery as well as innovative adaptions of buildings which hold great historical value.

“The overwhelming support reflects the project’s outstanding contribution to the built environment and its resonance with the community,” says Sandra O’Connell of the RIAI.

The level of public engagement was “extraordinary”, adds RIAI president, Sean Mahon.

The Irish Architecture Awards focused on sustainability, reuse, repair, adaptation, and retrofit of our existing buildings as key to addressing climate change and 20 projects were celebrated, spanning nine categories.

William Smyth of Cork County Council Architects’ Department with RIAI President Sean Mahon.

Kinsale Library by Cork County Council Architects’ Department, won the Conservation, Adaptation and Re-Use category.

The jury also recognised 14 Clarendon Street in Dublin by Shaffrey Architects for its skilled Restoration and Repair.

Interior of The Lark Theatre, Balbriggan. Picture: Victor dela Fuen

The jury made a special award to Stone Vessel by O’Donnell + Tuomey for Joseph Walsh Studio in Fartha, Co Cork: “It is in essence a folly, existing not as something driven by meeting a functional need but a celebration of the understanding that making and design are symbiotic activities

In Public Buildings and Infrastructure, the jury presented St David’s Holy Faith Secondary School in Greystones by McCullough Mulvin Architects and the Rock Wing, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital by Scott Tallon Walker Architects with Awards.

Among other awards presented were the Workplace Award, which went to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Headquarters by the Office of Public Works. The latter was also recognised with a Sustainability Award.