Q2. How can I join the library and how much does it cost?
Q3. How many items can I borrow?
Q4. How long can I keep something on loan?
Q5. Can I renew items on loan?
Q6. What can I find at my local library?
Q7. Is there anything special for children and young people?
Q8. Is there anything special for older people?
Q9. Do you have computers?
Q10. Can you train me to use a computer?
Q11. I have a visual impairment – what can the library offer me?
Q12. I have a hearing impairment – what can the library offer me?
Q13. I am interested in the history of Waterford – what have you got?
Q14. Can I join a Book Club at my local library?
Q15. I’m not interested in reading books; what can the library offer me?
Q16. What if I join and can’t find books that I like?
Q1. Where is my nearest library and when does it open?
There are three libraries serving all parts of Waterford City and the surrounding areas.
Central Library: A beautiful Carnegie building located in the city centre at Lady Lane. The Central Library acts both as a local library for the city centre area and the base for specialised services such as Local Studies and Business Information Services. It also holds the widest range of stock.
Click here for opening hours.
Ardkeen Library: Ardkeen Library provides a local library for the Ardkeen community. The library provides a comprehensive range of services including public Internet access, events and activities and exhibitions.
Click here for opening hours.
Brown’s Road Library: Situated at the heart of the Lisduggan/Larchville area, Brown’s Road Library provides a local library for this area of the city.
Click here for opening hours.
Q2. How can I join the library and how much does it cost?
You don’t have to join to enjoy many library services, but the library membership card brings many benefits such as the ability to borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and free access to the Internet.
You can join by calling in to any of our three libraries. All you need is photo ID and proof of your address.
Annual membership charges are as follows -| Adults | €15.00 | |
| Students | €6.00 | |
| Unemployed | €6.00 | |
| Under 18’s | Free |
Q3. How many items can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 10 items at a time
Q4. How long can I keep something on loan?
The loan period for books, audiobooks and language packs is 3 weeks. Magazines, CDs and DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week.
Q5. Can I renew items on loan?
Yes. You can usually renew loans up to 3 times, but that can depend on whether another customer needs what you have borrowed. If they do, you will have to bring it back earlier.
Items can be renewed online using your PIN number, by phone or in person at your local library. If you do not have a PIN number, call into your local library and you will be given a PIN number.
Q6. What can I find at my local library?
Something for everyone! All your book and information needs are catered for using a wide selection of books, audiobooks and online resources.
Also newspapers, magazines, reports, maps, events and activities and regular displays and exhibitions.
Computers to help you search the library catalogue, use the Internet, check emails, improve your job prospects or study.
Friendly and experienced members of staff to help you find what you need.
Q7. Is there anything special for children and young people?
Yes! We have books suitable for all ages – starting with babies right up to teenagers. We also have a large selection of audiobooks, DVDs and CD-ROMs.
We can help with schoolwork and hobbies. We have lots of events and activities such as author visits, art and crafts and dance workshops.
The annual Children’s Book Festival is held every October and brings lots of competitions and fun.
Q8. Is there anything special for older people?
Yes, we cater for all age groups. Large print books and books on retirement, hobbies and pensions are available in all 3 libraries.
The annual Bealtaine Festival is held every May and includes many events and activities such as flower arranging workshops, creative writing and lots more.
We have approx. 45 public computers in the three library buildings. There will normally be one available to you, although there may be a short wait during very busy times.
You have to be a library member but computer and Internet use is FREE. We only charge for prints.
We have special facilities for users with a wide range of disabilities.
Q10. Can you train me to use a computer?
Library staff will help you as much as possible but we can’t train you or spend a lot of time with you because we need to provide a service to all our users.
We frequently run Introduction to the Internet classes in the three libraries. These are advertised in the libraries, on our website and in the local press.
We do provide many books and audiovisual materials to help you learn at your own pace.
Q11. I have a visual impairment – what can the library offer me?
Many books in large print and a wide selection of books on tape and compact disc.
Music CDs.
Special equipment and software to allow easier use of library computers.
Clear library signage.
Q12. I have a hearing impairment – what can the library offer me?
Books, newspapers, information, computers, exhibitions, etc.
Hearing loops at every public service counter
Q13. I am interested in the history of Waterford – what have you got?
Lots and lots of things! Books, articles, newspapers, census information, trade directories, maps, photographs, online resources, etc.
A Local Studies Group which you may be interested in joining
Specialist staff to help you
A referral service and contacts for anything we don’t have.
Q14. Can I join a Book Club at my local library?
Yes, you can join a Book Club at any of the three libraries. Book Clubs are in place for all age groups to include children, teenagers and adults. Most meet once a month to discuss their reading in a lively and informal atmosphere.
Click here for full details on all existing Book Clubs.
Q15. I’m not interested in reading books; what can the library offer me?
We can help you with information – from finding a job to booking a holiday.
You may not be interested in reading novels – but what about information for your hobbies or to help you in business?
If you like music or watching films you can borrow CDs and DVDs.
You may want to find out the history of your local area or trace your family history.
Q16. What if I join and can’t find books that I like?
Tell us. If a book exists and is suitable to the library we will certainly try and get it for you through our suggestion system.
If something is out of print or very expensive we can still often get it from another library through our Inter Library Loan Service or Borrow Books Service.