Learning & Studying
Dublin City Libraries supports learning for everyone, at every stage of life. Learning opportunities include online courses, language learning, and computer skills. Library collections including databases, books, magazines, audio books, DVDs, podcasts can assist your learning and study.
The Central Library in the Ilac Centre is where learner entrepreneurs will find information on Irish companies and market opportunities in foreign countries.
Adult Education collections include literacy and numeracy materials and are available in most branch libraries.
Computer skills
All libraries provide access to computers and the Internet.
Reading, writing and spelling
Touch-type Read and Spell Online Course
If you, or someone you know, finds it hard to read, write or spell, the Touch Type Read Spell (TTRS) online course can help.
Students with dyslexia or literacy issues have found this course helpful. It's a multi-sensory, structured, online course that helps students to learn at their own pace in the library, or at home. If you would like access, please contact one of the following libraries and and include your name and Library card membership number:
- Central Library E. [email protected]
- Ballyfermot Library E. [email protected]
- Ballymun Library E. [email protected]
- Coolock Library E. [email protected] .
Literacy and learning supports for tutors
If you are a trained literacy tutor, there's a resource list of publications to support your professional development at the Central Library.
The publications include recommended reading material related to theory and practice. For your convenience the resource includes both a lending and a reference copy for consultation in the library.
For further information E: [email protected] or T: 01 222 8300.
Adult Education collections including literacy and numeracy materials are available in the majority of library branches.
Language Learning
You can learn a language or improve your conversational skills in several library branches.
Additionally, improve your language skills with our online language courses such as Transparent Languages Online and uTalk; free with your library membership. Visit our eResources page for more information.
You can improve your conversational skills through informal conversation exchanges in several of our branch libraries. Check the Library Events' listing for details.
Online Learning
We have an excellent selection of online research and reference tools to suit all age groups: from primary school to university; from early years to lifelong learning. You can choose from over 400 unique online learning courses through your library membership including:
- Music lessons from Grammy Award-winning musicians.
- Art lessons from professional artists.
- Genealogy - tracing your family history.
- Courses in 70 languages.
Visit our eResources page for more information. Please note, to use these services you need your library card.
Hublet tablet lending device
The Hublet tablet lending device has been installed at Pembroke Library and Raheny. These hand held tablets allow access to apps for children and adults and can be used to print documents at the self-service photocopiers at these libraries.
Hublet is a self-service, loanable tablet solution that requires practically zero IT skills to deploy and manage, making it simple for you to offer digital content to everyone. More information here.
Study Spaces
You are welcome to use the study and reading spaces in our libraries.
A number of study spaces have been set aside in the Reading Room, Dublin City Library and Archive (Pearse Street), for students and visitors who wish to read or study, but who do not need to use library or archive materials. These spaces are allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.
Learning Zones
Learning Zones have been set up in a number of libraries across Dublin City to help you with your homework and important school project. They have reading and reference materials, educational websites and other computer software that have been specially chosen to help you with your studies.
The following libraries have Learning Zones:
Makerspace at Coolock Library
Makerspaces have become one of the primary places to learn crafts, trades, and technology. The Maker Space at Coolock Library is a multi-use, creative and educational community space. Read the blog here.
Game on! Gaming in the Library
Our new gaming programmes for teens are primarily social events. They are as much about fun, socialising and relationship building as gameplay. Read more here.
The Dublin and Irish Local Studies Collection
The Dublin and Irish Local Studies Collection is a research facility for second-level. The library holds an extensive range of books, newspapers, journals, photographs, maps, prints, drawings, theatre programmes, playbills, posters, ballad sheets, political cartoons and audio-visual material about the history and geography of Dublin and Ireland.
To access the facility visit the Reading Room, Dublin City Library and Archive (Pearse Street).
Please note: The Reading Room is open by appointment only on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 4.30pm.
Please order the items you want to look at in advance E: [email protected] and [email protected].