Buncrana Library is located in a converted Presbyterian church. The architect Peter Cullinane designed the building as 'mother and child'. This design allows the extension to coexist in harmony with the existing church. The building has a partial first floor mezzanine. Natural light from windows is supplemented with low energy fluorescent lighting. The building is naturally ventilated. A traditional 'Drontheim' fishing boat hangs suspended from the ceiling. Kinderboxes are arranged to resemble An Grianán Aileach, a 1st century ring fort, which is near the town.
Library Details
| Local Authority Name |
Donegal County Council |
| Library |
Buncrana |
| Library Name |
Buncrana Community Library |
| Date Opened |
11 February 2000 |
Locality & Services
| Type of Service |
Branch library |
| Type of Building |
Conversion and extension |
| Type of Building Converted |
Church |
| Description of Locality |
Town centre |
| Urban Population |
3411 |
| Stand Alone Facility |
Yes |
Size & Costs
| Number of Floors |
1 |
| Size (m2) |
370 |
| Cost of Library |
€925,830 |
| Funding Sources |
Local Authority, DEHLG |
Features & Facilities
| Special Features |
Architectural features
Art work |
| Accessibility |
Accessible entrance
Accessible parking
Accessible toilets
Assistive technology
Signage |
| Sustainability / Future Proofing |
Daylighting & electrical lighting
Ventilation |
| Special Facilities |
Adult reading groups
Audio visual library
Baby changing facilities
Business information collection
Children's learning space
Community information collection
Computer learning facilities
Exhibition area
Historic maps viewer
Literacy material
Local studies collection
Microfilm reader and printer |
| Parking |
Free parking adjacent |
| Internet Access |
9 terminals |
| Wi-Fi |
No |
| Printing |
No |
| Photocopying |
No |
| References |
- Irish Library News, No.199, 2000
- Irish Library News, No.214, 2001
- 'Buncrana Library scoops major award, best library of its size in Britain or Ireland.' Local Authority News, 20 (6), 2002 pp16-17.
- Census 2006 Table 12 Alphabetical list of Towns with their population, 2002 and 2006 (Population within legally defined boundary)
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Architect & Design Team
| Architect Name |
Peter Cullinane, Gallagher & Cullinane (2000) |
| County/City Librarian |
Donegal County Council; Donegal County Librarian (2000) |
Additional Information
| |
Winner of the Public Library Buildings Awards 2001 best small library in the converted, extended or refurbished category.
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For further information please contact Donegal County Council Library Authority