Clare Champion, Friday 9th May, 2003
Amongst the many claims to fame of Lisdoonvarna is the size of its public library which is reckoned to be the smallest in the country. However, as the saying goes the best of things come in small parcels and the spa town library, despite its size, is delivering a first class service.
The resort’s new library, opened in 1999, is located in the former Iron and Magnesia Room at Kincora Road. And Dublin children, on a recent visit to Lisdoonvarna were fascinated about the library and its size and promptly named it "The Gingerbread Library". It is now their favourite library in the country.
Clare County Librarian, Noel Crowley, said the Dublin children who fell in love with the Lisdoonvarna library were very familiar with libraries all over Ireland as their father is assistant director of the Library Council.
The history of book lending in the North Clare town goes back to 1951 when its first public library was opened at a cost of €190 and stocking it with books cost an added €1,015. For 25 years the library was situated in Dwyer’s house in the square after which a project got underway to provide a more suitable location for the service which also caters for the people of Ballyvaughan. What resulted was unique in that the local community had an input into the new library which came about through the efforts of Lisdoonvarna Failte and Lisdoonvarna Community Council co-operating with Clare County Council and FÁS.
The librarian is Catriona Lucas and the main emphasis is on children's materials and the more popular adult books. Lack of space forced this decision on management but the branch has the full backing of Ennistymon Library just a few miles away. In addition free Internet access is available in the library and in 2002 some 840 sessions were availed of for e-mail, research and study.
The branch library, which also incorporates a public park, holds 7,000 books and since it opened in October 1999 it has issued 29,366 books. The annual membership is about 370 people and almost 1,400 borrowers have registered since 1999. A great asset to the spa town.