Libraries for Everyone

Back to Using Your Library

Note: During the Covid-19 pandemic, library access and services may be impacted, and the information below may not be current. Please refer to our home page and social media accounts for updates. Have a question? Use our 'Ask-a-Librarian' service, available  via the Libraries' home page.

"We are committed to providing services for everyone without discrimination on any grounds. We respect and value individuals and communities supporting learning and development opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities. We seek to promote equality and diversity throughout all our services." (Dublin City Libraries Equality Statement).

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility

It is our aim to make branch libraries accessible and welcoming for everyone. If a branch library is wheelchair accessible we state this on the branch webpage and on library leaflets. Please contact your local branch library for more details and local information.

Assistive technologies

If you have a disability, if English is not your first language or you find it hard to read, assistive technologies can help.

There are several assistive technologies available in the Central Library (Ilac Centre) as well as Cabra, Kevin Street, Walkinstown, and Pearse Street branch libraries:

  • Jaws is a screen reader programme for blind people using text to speech or Braille.
  • MAGic is magnification software for people with low vision, which is used in conjunction with JAWS software. A speech option is available.
  • Kurtzweil 3000 is text to speech software which also has facility to assist learners of English and helps fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, study skills.
  • The Magic Table (or ‘Tovertafel’ in Dutch) uses specially designed technology to help people with mid-to-late stage dementia and also adults with learning disabilities.

All of our branch libraries are fitted with hearing loops.

Age-friendly services

We have many events and activities that support Dublin Age Friendly City. You can check our Library Events for both children and teens.

Older people may be interested in our book clubs, film clubs, knitting groups, creative writing groups, exhibitions and lectures. Check your local library for the range of services and activities provided.

If you have any mobility problems you might like to use a transit wheelchair. You will find these in the following libraries:

Library Access Programme

In the past few years we have undertaken a Library Access Improvement Programme to make sure that our branch libraries are accessible and comfortable for everyone.

These works include:

  • A ramp and internal lifts where necessary
  • New furniture
  • Full repainting, using high contrast colours
  • Audio-induction loop systems
  • New shelving and floor lay-outs
  • Accessible public restroom facilities

Major improvement works have been completed in:

  • Ballyfermot
  • Coolock
  • Drumcondra
  • Kevin Street
  • Pembroke
  • Rathmines
  • Ringsend

Home delivery and block loan service

You can avail of a home delivery service provided by our Library in the Community service. This service can be used by individuals. Ring us at 01 222 4770 between 10am to 2pm from Monday to Friday

Institutions (such as crèches, sheltered accommodation for older people, isolated individuals in the community, and those with a visual impairment or other disabilities) can use the block loan service. This type of loan is tailored to individual requirements; number of items, length of loan period and type of material provided (talking books, large print books, paperbacks etc.).

Block loans can also be arranged in branch libraries. Contact your local library for details.

Diversity

Throughout our branch libraries we provide books for children and adults in a variety of languages, as well as other services providing for and embracing the ethnic diversity of our library users.

Throughout the year we have events and programmes that celebrate inclusion and diversity. Check our Library Events listings.

Bibliotherapy

The use of books for therapeutic purposes is known as 'bibliotherapy’. Self-help books have been used in this way for many years. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties bibliotherapy books can providing psychological therapy.

Browse a list of bibliotherapy books in our catalogue.

Prison Library Service

The Dublin Prison Library Service is an agency service of Dublin City Libraries to the Irish Prison Service. The Service manages eight libraries in prisons in Dublin, providing a similar range of material and services to those provided by public libraries.