Donegal Central Library, Letterkenny is built in a three-storey converted Mechanics Literary Institute. Architectural features include a clock-tower with weather vane and round-headed windows with brick surrounds. The lending library is located on the ground floor and the reference collection on the 1st floor. The library fronts onto Oliver Plunkett Road and Lower Main Street. The building fits very easily into the existing streetscape and reflects the style of the Mechanics Literary Institute with its black slated roof and brick surrounds to the arched windows and main entrance. The painted rendered finish was selected to harmonise with the vernacular architecture of the town. A sprung maple floor was designed for ballet and modern dance.

Library Details

Local Authority Name	Donegal County Council
Library	Letterkenny
Library Name	Central Library, Letterkenny
Date Opened	11 November 1995

Contact Details

Address	Oliver Plunkett Road
	Letterkenny
County	Donegal
Telephone	074 9124950
Fax	074 9124950
Email	central@donegallibrary.ie
URL	www.donegallibrary.ie/libraryguide/default.htm

Locality & Services

Type of Service	Central library
Type of Building	Conversion
Type of Building Converted	Mechanics Institute
Description of Locality	Town centre
Urban Population	15062
Stand Alone Facility	Yes

Size & Costs

Number of Floors	2
Size (m2)	962
Funding Sources	Local Authority, DEHLG

Features & Facilities

Special Features	Architectural features Art work
Accessibility	Accessible lift Accessible toilets Assistive technology
Special Facilities	Adult reading groups Audio visual library Book return box Business information collection Children's activity zone with washing facilities Community information collection Computer learning facilities Health information collection Historic maps viewer Language courses Literacy material Local studies centre Open Learning resources
Parking	Paid parking adjacent
Internet Access	11 terminals
Wi-Fi	No
Printing	No
Photocopying	No
References	Central Library and Arts Centre / Liam Ronayne. Local Authority News, 13 (2), 1996 , p.2-4 Irish Library News, No.160, 1995 Census 2006 Table 12 Alphabetical list of Towns with their population, 2002 and 2006 (Population within legally defined boundary) 'Literary Letterkenny' UA International,  13 (5), June/July 1996, p.53

Architect & Design Team

Architect Name	Nolan & Quinlan Architects (1995)
County/City Librarian	Donegal County Council; Donegal County Librarian (1995)

Additional Information

	Letterkenny Library is an information hub for Europe Direct, providing data on a wide range of EU issues. Artwork in the library includes a specially commissioned wall-hanging by Rosemary McCarron.

For further information please contact Donegal County Council Library Authority