Blogs

The novels nominated and shortlisted for the Award will be available for readers to borrow from Dublin City Libraries and from public libraries around Ireland, or can be borrowed as eBooks and some as eAudiobooks on the free Borrowbox app, available to all public library users.

Maeve Cavanagh was born in South Frederick Street in Dublin City Centre in 1878. Cavanagh was an extremely active member of all branches of the nationalist movement; she was a member of the Gaelic League, Cumann na mBan and Irish Citizen Army.

But wait what’s this? Dublin City Libraries have just added something new to their collection of online resources, and it has been described by the New York Times as, “the closest thing to a classical Netflix”? Hello Medici.tv. Goodbye long outdoor summer evenings.

Medici.tv is the world's leading classical music channel featuring hundreds of concerts, operas, and ballets.

Congratulations to Senior Librarians Noreen Herlihy and Adrienne Gilmartin, also their respective teams, for all the great work. The Awards recognise inspiring adult, community, and further education initiatives across Ireland.

Sé ceann de na cuimhní is láidre líon ó laethanta m’óige ná an cumhracht ó na leabhair scoile nua cheannaithe le linn mí Lúnasa nuair cheannaítear iad ón siopa bídeach i Sráid an Teampaill. Samhail iontais a bhí le teacht, na leathnaigh gan léamh, tíortha rúndiamhrachta gan rian choise ós comhair m’aghaidh amach. Bhraitheas an mothú céanna le déanaí nuair bhuaileadh an riar maith de leabhair úr Ghaeilge ar mo dheasc san leabharlann.

In Liberalism at Large: The World According to the Economist, Alexander Zevin traces the 177-year history of the Economist newspaper, positioning the Economist not only as a lens for understanding reinterpretations of liberalism across different eras, but also as an active participant in influencing policy and public debate

This month’s display in Reading Room looks to love and romance. Of course, famous love stories have inspired many works of art, theatre and music. Drop in and see the display during February.

At the same time as the Celtic Revival during the late 19th - early 20th centuries, the Arts and Crafts Movement was making its way across Europe. This movement saw an international increase in the making and purchasing of handmade things and included ‘cottage industries’ such as stained glass, woodworks, ceramics, tapestries, and more.

Get ready to be creative in the wonderful new recording studios located in Ballyfermot Library and soon to be available for library patron use! Aspiring musicians, podcasters, film makers, broadcasters even, take note, our Creative Studio is about to excite and delight! What is the Creative Studio?It is a digital maker space facilitating the creation of music recordings, podcasts, videos, digital stories and oral histories. And more besides. At the centre of this space are two recording booths providing library patrons with access to a variety of audio and video recording equipment and software.What can I do in the Creative Studio?So much! For example,Record a music track, a song, create a demo.Get some band practice in.Deliver a Facebook Live event, be it a live music performance, an interview with a local celebrity, artist, historian, or even a poetry reading.Record an audio or video podcast, could be an interview, a lecture, a group discussion.Record a video and upload to Youtube.What can I do now?Interested in using this wonderful new facility? You must first fill out the Creative Studio - Request to Use Facilities Form. We will then be in touch in due course to notify you of your scheduled induction session. You must complete the induction session and sign the Agreement Form in order to be able to book a session in one of the studios.The Studios:Creative Studio #1: 3150mm (10'4") x 2250mm (7'5") Capacity 1-6 peopleCreative Studio #2: 4950mm (16'4") x 3150mm (10'4") Capacity 2-8 peopleAbove: The smaller of the two recording booths, Studio #1.Equipment:The mix of equipment for each includes some or all of the following:-Microphones  (stand, table mounted) with pop filter shock mountsStudio headphonesBehringer AMP800 Mini Amp 4 Channel Stereo Headphone Distributor AmplifierStudio monitors (speakers)4 channel or 8 channel Focusrite Scarlett audio interface. Ideal for multi-instrumentalists, producers and small bands who want to record audio from a wide range of sources such as drums, guitars, keyboards and vocals.Cinema Camera 4K + tripodLogitech C615 HD 1080p webcamLED lightingGreen screeniMac computers, 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display.Software included - Final Cut X video editing software, Logic Pro X music making software, GarageBand, Audacity.Studio Use:A booking of a recording booth may be made by patrons aged 15 years and older with a valid public library card from any library authority in the country. Any person wishing to make a booking must have completed the mandatory induction session in advance and signed an Agreement Form.Right: The larger of the two studios. View larger image.The minimum session length is 50 minutes; the maximum 2 hours and 50 minutes. Musicians, important to note, you will need to bring your own musical instruments.Please take note also - while basic assistance may be provided, the studios are essentially self-service. You will need some level of familiarity with recording equipment, iMac computers and the software provided. We will provide you with some help files and links to further resources.Read the full Terms and Conditions...Induction Session:Attendance at an induction session is required in advance for anyone wishing to book a recording studio. The session provides an overview of the recording studio equipment and usage procedures. Upon completion of the session participants will be required to sign the agreement form in order to be added to the list of those authorized to make a booking on behalf of themselves or a group.Visit the Creative Studio main page for more information.