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Thurles

Thurles Library is located in The Source Library and Arts Centre. The building enjoys a riverside setting on banks of the river Suir, adjacent to the town bridge, with a fully accessible riverside boardwalk. A single undulating zinc-clad roof encloses the two functions of the building, with a shared roof-lit exhibition space providing a central focus. The shared entrance and foyer ensures users of one element of the building are made aware of the other. The narrow, elongated site is located on a bend in the river. A glass facade faces out onto the river.

The branch library is on the ground floor and the Tipperary Studies Department and community space is on the 1st floor. Throughout the building colour has been used to indicate function; red for information, orange for vertical circulation and white and black for concentration and relaxation. A rooflight brings natural light and venitilation into the research area on the 1st floor.

Library Details
Local Authority Name	Tipperary Joint Libraries Committee
Library	Thurles
Library Name	The Source Library & Arts Centre
Date Opened	2 October 2006

Contact Details
Address	The Source Library & Arts Centre
	Cathedral Street
	Thurles
County	Tipperary
Telephone	0504 29720
Fax	0504 21344
Email	thurles@tipperarylibraries.ie
URL	www.tipperarylibraries.ie/branches/thurles/index.shtml

Locality & Services
Type of Service	Branch library
Type of Building	Purpose-built library
Description of Locality	Town centre
Urban Population	6831
Stand Alone Facility	No

Locality & Services
Partnerships	Arts centre, Theatre
Location on Site	Ground floor, 1st floor
Location of Library	Town centre

Size & Costs
Number of Floors	2
Size (m²)	1350
Cost of Library	€5,875,666
Funding Sources	Local Authority, DEHLG

Features & Facilities
Special Features	Architectural features Furnishings and fit-out Landscaping Riverside site
Accessibility	Accessible entrance Accessible lift Accessible parking Accessible toilets Assistive technology Induction loop Signage Transit wheelchair
Sustainability / Future Proofing	Natural ventilation
Special Facilities	Audio listening posts Baby changing facilities Book clubs Café Community information collection Community room Exhibition area Learning space Literacy material Local studies centre Multi-media/self-learning area Relaxation and reading area
Parking	Integrated parking
Internet Access	20 terminals
Wi-Fi	Yes
Printing	No
Photocopying	No
References	'The Source Arts Centre and Library' Architecture Ireland, (225), March 2007 p.30-41. 'New temples of culture' / Louise Cotter, Irish Arts Review, 24 (2), Summer 2007, p.106-111 mcculloughmulvin Rewarding Excellence in Design, Construction & Property News, May 2007, p.46 'Ireland's civic pride: an architectural tour' / Emmett Scanlon A10: New European Architecture, (8) March April 2006, p.58-60 'Thurles Arts Centre and Library' Plan, January / February 2007, p.21 'Arts centre and library, Thurles' / Emmett Scanlon, A10: New European Architecture , (12) November/December 2006, p.24-27 The Source Arts Centre and Library, Thurles, Co Tipperary. New Irish Architecture 22: AAI Awards 2007, p.64-77. A Suir thing in Thurles / Shane O'Toole. Sunday Times Culture Supplement, August 19 2007, p.8. Census 2006 Table 12 Alphabetical list of Towns with their population, 2002 and 2006 (Population within legally defined boundary)

Architect & Design Team
Architect Name	McCullough Mulvin Architects (2006)
County/City Librarian	Tipperary Joint Libraries Committee; Tipperary County Librarian (2006)

Additional Information
	Winner of the Building Category in The Irish Concrete Society Awards 2007; RIAI Irish Architecture awards best public/cultural building award; an Architectural Association of Ireland Award, 2007; Highly commended in the Partnership category, Public Library Buildings Awards, 2007 Click here to see a video of the library Floor loading was strengthened to accommodate compact shelving to meet the long term storage needs of the Tipperary Studies Collection. The riverside site required piling. Parking is accommodated at semi-basement level. The Arts Centre received €2.92m from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, which amounted to 75% of the cost.The adjoining theatre is equipped with retractable seating for 250. There is also 35mm film projection equipment and high quality backstage along with front of house facilities including a fly-tower and orchestra pit. A café/bar is located on the ground floor. The total area of the building is 4,560m²