Also in need of attention was the lighting system, which had become unsuitable both from a functional point of view and also aesthetic. Like many other branches of its age, Dolphin’s Barn had a large, unwelcoming counter, built like a fortress around the staff, which too would have to be replaced. Likewise, the shelving, lounge furniture and mismatching desks bought at different times to accommodate new technologies, contributed to the overall dilapidated state of the library. Despite the best efforts of the staff there to display  stock and make the library an exciting and engaging space.

Dublin City Public Libraries engaged the services of a designer who has worked extensively on libraries across the UK to design a new floorplan for the library taking into account the changes detailed above and also to provide  a colour scheme that would brighten up the library. Based on the final design and after a process of tendering for suppliers, the works began with the replacement of the lighting, with the floor following after. The floor was completed over the last bank holiday weekend when the old desk was demolished. New shelving, lounge and study furniture and new desking for PCs and other technologies were also installed over the weekend and following week, along with the new counter.