Bishopstown Library is a modern building situated adjacent to the Wilton Shopping Centre, a parish church and Cork University Hospital. There are 2 public floors and a smaller top floor with book store and plant room. The adult and children's lending and multimedia areas are located on ground floor. The information and learning area is on the 1st floor.
The north and east elevations are fully glazed to provide an informal and welcoming feel to the building. The glass curtain façade is surrounded by brightly clad terracotta and a slate coloured fibre cement clad stair tower to the rear. The library is primarily open plan on ground and 1st floor, with ceiling heights of more than 3 metres adding to the sense of space.
The library has three multi-purpose spaces which can be used independently of library opening hours; a multi-purpose space opening from the children's library (48.9m²); a glass enclosed space on the 1st floor which acts as a dedicated exhibition room (90.2m²) and a group study room (39m²).
Library Details
| Local Authority Name |
Cork City Council |
| Library |
Bishopstown |
| Date Opened |
8 December 2006 |
Locality & Services
| Type of Service |
Branch library |
| Type of Building |
Purpose-built library |
| Description of Locality |
Suburban shopping centre |
| Urban Population |
28000 |
| Stand Alone Facility |
Yes |
Size & Costs
| Number of Floors |
3 |
| Size (m2) |
1023 |
| Cost of Library |
€4,790,000 |
| Funding Sources |
Local Authority, DEHLG |
Features & Facilities
| Special Features |
Glass walling
Materials
Terracotta brick |
| Accessibility |
Accessible entrance
Accessible lift
Accessible parking
Accessible toilets |
| Sustainability / Future Proofing |
Maximum day-lighting
Natural ventilation
Waste management |
| Special Facilities |
Baby changing facilities
Community information collection
Community/activity room
Exhibition area
Housebound service
Learning space
Multi-media facilities |
| Parking |
Free parking on site |
| Internet Access |
40 terminals |
| Wi-Fi |
Yes |
| References |
'Take 5 - of the Best modern civic buildings in Europe', Irish Library News, No. 267, January/February 2007. |
Architect & Design Team
| Architect Name |
Cork City Council Architect's Department. Support from Murray Ó Laoire Architects (2006) |
| County/City Librarian |
Cork City Council; Cork City Librarian (2006) |
Additional Information
| |
Tesco Ireland donated the site.
Bishopstown library was selected for the longlist of the Public Library Building Awards, Uk and Republic of Ireland, 2007. The video clip from their entry can be viewed here. |
For further information please contact Cork City Council Library Authority