In 2008, work will commence on the siting of the Central Library in the Ambassador Cinema. This is a landmark project for the library service with a value of €8.3m and will further strengthen the cultural quarter developing at Parnell Square. The Central Library  at the Ambassador will be a literary anchor in the O’Connell Street / Parnell Square area.

Additional investment in 2008 of €500k in the City libraries will mean:

• Early Reading and Family Reading Programme
  Bring children to reading through facilitated storytelling and other activities and help parents develop their own and their children’s reading. This programme will encourage the sharing of the reading experience within the home.
  
  
• Euro Project Dublin, How it Works
  A programme of multicultural engagement and Citizenship to encourage membership and use of public libraries together with an introduction to Dublin and 21st century Irish society.
  
  
• Services for Young People
  Improve library facilities for three Teen zones at Ballyfermot, Ballymun and Coolock which encourage and engage young people to support their information, reading and learning needs. This programme will include multimedia, furniture, fit out, branding and two Youth Champions i.e. two librarians to work on Youth Projects.

Access for All

The Library Business Plan continues to address areas of service provision, removing barriers to service uptake and creating welcoming, accessible and affirming environments supported by appropriate services and formats.

In compliance with the Disability Act 2005 and Dublin City Council's Access programme, nine libraries are scheduled to have access works carried out. Rathmines, Pembroke, Ringsend, Ballyfermot, Drumcondra, Phibsboro', Cabra, Marino and Charleville Mall are the libraries scheduled for works in the first phase of the project. Capital funding has been sought for this programme.