One
of four public libraries opened in between 1935 and 1937 by Dublin Corporation
in the suburbs of Phibsborough, Drumcondra, Inchicore and Ringsend. These
simple buildings have Art Deco styling around the doors and simple modern
window treatments. The intention was to produce a building simple in form
and pleasing in design, which would be easy to maintain. The main feature of
these new branch libraries was the large lending department shelved to hold
10,000 to 12,000 books. These libraries would form the nucleus of a chain of
suburban libraries, which would encircle the extended city.
The library underwent significant refurbishment in
2010, providing ramped access, a universally accessible public toilet, new
shelving and furniture and a new public counter.
Library Details
| Local Authority Name |
Dublin City Public Libraries and Archive |
| Library |
Drumcondra Library |
| Library Name |
Drumcondra |
| Date Opened |
19 February 1937 |
Locality & Services
| Type of Service |
Branch library |
| Type of Building |
Purpose-built library |
| Description of Locality |
Suburban residential area |
| Urban Population |
8637 |
| Stand Alone Facility |
Yes |
Size & Costs
| Number of Floors |
1 |
| Size (m2) |
224 |
| Funding Sources |
Local Authority |
Features & Facilities
| Accessibility |
Accessible entrance
Accessible ramp
Accessible routes through the library
Accessible toilets
Parking, including accessible parking, adjacent |
| Internet Access |
2 terminals |
| Wi-Fi |
Yes |
| Printing |
No |
| Photocopying |
No |
| References |
|
Architect & Design Team
| Architect Name |
Robert S. Lawrie (1937) |
| County/City Librarian |
Dublin City Public Libraries and Archive; Dublin City Librarian (1936) |
Additional Information
| |
The architect, Robert Sorley Lawrie, was a Scottish architect in the department of the
Dublin City Architect Horace O’Rourke, during the 1930s. He designed the
Inchicore public library on Emmet Road in 1937. According to the street
directories he was still living in Dublin in 1945 but had left by 1947.
He returned to Scotland to take up the appointment of County Architect
for Fife.
|
For further information please contact Dublin City Public Libraries and Archive Library Authority