Kildare County Council Unveils Ambitious Library Development Plan: "Building for Tomorrow"
13th June 2025: Kildare County Council is proud to announce the official launch of Building for Tomorrow – Kildare Library Service Plan 2025–2029, a visionary roadmap for the future of library services in the county. The launch was officiated by the Cathaoirleach of County Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy, alongside County Librarian Gillian Allen, at the state-of-the-art Naas Library & Cultural Centre.
This five-year plan sets out a transformative agenda for Kildare’s libraries, positioning them as inclusive, innovative, and sustainable community hubs. Developed through extensive public consultation and guided by national strategies such as The Library is the Place (2023), the plan reflects the evolving needs of Kildare’s growing and diverse population.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Councillor Kevin Duffy said; “Kildare public libraries are not just places to borrow books; They are vibrant community hubs that foster learning, creativity, and connection. Building for Tomorrow is an ambitious, forward-looking strategy that seeks to improve access, visibility, and the quality of public libraries as essential community services.”
The plan outlines seven key development areas, including:
- Enlivening Content through reading initiatives and inclusive collections
- Reaching out to new communities and voice of the youth
- Stories and Placemaking to celebrate heritage and culture
- Real Place / Digital World with enhanced library eServices and green spaces
- Enabling the Team through professional development
- Capital Developments including new libraries in Clane and Newbridge
- Sustaining Our Planet with climate-conscious design and programming
Gillian Allen, County Librarian, highlighted the community-driven nature of the plan; “By design thinking and deep consultation, we’ve listened to our communities—especially those we haven’t reached before. This plan is about making our libraries places where everyone feels welcome, valued, and inspired. From new buildings to digital innovation and sustainability, we are building a brighter future for Kildare”.
The plan also celebrates recent achievements, including the opening of the award-winning Naas Library & Cultural Centre in 2024, and outlines future projects such as the redevelopment of Celbridge Library and a new mobile library powered by sustainable energy.
Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, stated; “This plan is a testament to the power of listening and collaboration. It reflects our commitment to building inclusive, empowered, and sustainable communities through our libraries.”
